King Aggabodhi VIII [804-815 CE]

Predecessor		Successor
King Mahinda III [801-804 CE] -House of Lambakanna–	King Aggabodhi VIII [804-815 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	King Dappula III [815-831 CE] -House of Lambakanna-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

Gemini said

King Aggabodhi VIII, known as Madi Akbo in the Pujavaliya, was one of the three sons of King Udaya I, who is also identified in some sources as Dappula II. He ascended the throne in 804 CE following the death of his brother, King Mahinda III, and ruled for eleven years. He was succeeded by his youngest brother, King Dappula III.

The reign of Aggabodhi VIII is noted for the king’s piety and strict observance of traditional virtues. The Culavamsa pays particular attention to his exceptional devotion to his mother, whom he treated with profound reverence and personal care. His compassion extended even to his servants; he avoided using the word “slave” when addressing them, and if he did so unintentionally, he allowed the servant to address him in the same manner in return.

Aggabodhi VIII also founded the Udayaggabodhi Pirivena, naming it in honor of himself and his father, King Udaya I. The location of this monastic institution is no longer known.

King Aggabodhi VIII also prohibited the bringing of fish, meat, and liquor into towns on Poya days. This observance continues in Sri Lanka today, where the sale of fresh meat and fish is restricted and liquor shops remain closed on full moon Poya days.

Works of King Aggabodhi VIII

Built Udayaggabodhi Pirivena, named after his father and himself
Built Buta Pirivena. Bhutarama is already mentioned as being donated to a priest by King Kanitta Tissa (164-192 CE), 600 years earlier. King Aggabodhi III possibly built a new building in this temple.
Granted Culavapiyagama village to Rajasala Viharaya
Granted two villages to the Kalula and Mallavata viharayas

Ancient Manuscripts Detailing the Sovereigns of Sri Lanka

Sovereigns of Sri Lanka are chronicled in several ancient manuscripts. These texts not only record the lineages of kings but also the significant events and developments of their reigns. Some of the most significant ancient sources are:

Dipavamsa: compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and the earliest known historical chronicle
Mahavamsa: Initially compiled by Mahanama Thero in the 5th or 6th century CE, this chronicle was later expanded upon by other authors who added additional chapters. Covers events up until the reign of King Mahasena of Anuradhapura
Culavamsa: Starts where the Mahavamsa stops and records the history of Sri Lankan rulers from the 4th century to 1815. Mahavamsa and Culavamsa are often seen as one extended chronicle, commonly referred to simply as the Mahavamsa.
Pujavaliya: Written by a monk in or around 1266 during the reign of King Panditha Parakrama Bahu of Dambadeniya Kingdom
Rajavaliya: A 17th-century historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, covering the history of the island from its beginnings up to the accession of King Vimaladharmasurya II in 1687.

References

Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
Gunasekara, B. (1895). A Contribution to the History of Ceylon: Translated from Pujavaliya. H.C. Cottle.
Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya, a Historical Narrative of Sinhalese Kings Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
Nicholas, C. W., & Paranavitana, S. (1961). A Concise History of Ceylon: From the Earliest Times to the Arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. University of Ceylon.
Paranavitana, S. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.

Predecessor		Successor
King Mahinda III [801-804 CE] -House of Lambakanna–	King Aggabodhi VIII [804-815 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	King Dappula III [815-831 CE] -House of Lambakanna-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA