King Buddhadasa [340-368 CE] | AmazingLanka.com

Predecessor		Successor
King Jettha Tissa II [331-340 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-	King Buddhadasa [340-368 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-	King Upatissa I [368-410 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

About King Buddhadasa

King Buddhadasa ascended to the throne of Anuradhapura in 340 CE, following the reign of his father, King Jettha Tissa II. Renowned for his devout and benevolent nature, he is remembered as an exemplary ruler who combined piety with exceptional medical expertise. The chronicles describe him as “a mine of virtue and an ocean of riches,” highlighting his dedication to the well-being of his people.

What distinguishes King Buddhadasa in Sri Lankan history is his reputation as a physician and surgeon. The Culavamsa, a key historical text, dedicates considerable detail to his accomplishments in the medical field, often prioritizing these achievements over his political or administrative deeds. His compassion extended beyond humans, as he was reputed to have treated animals with the same care and attention.

King Buddhadasa established hospitals in every village and appointed physicians, compensating them with land. He also designated medical practitioners for horses, elephants, and soldiers, and built refuges for the disabled and the blind. He always carried a pocket knife and medicine with him, treating the sick wherever he encountered them.

Works of King Buddhadasa

The chronicles of Sri Lanka, particularly the Culavamsa, depict King Buddhadasa as a benevolent ruler whose legacy is primarily remembered for his exceptional contributions as a physician rather than his efforts toward Buddhism.

Moraparivena (Morapaya) : beautiful prasada of 25 cubits (37-38 feet) tall in Maha Vihara monastery
Papili Vehera (Suraweera, 2014)
Treatment of a cobra with a tumour in the belly: When a cobra with a tumorous growth in its belly realized that the king was hesitant to approach it, the snake inserted its head into an anthill cavity to facilitate the operation. Once healed, the cobra, in gratitude, presented its jewel (Nāga Māṇikya) to the king. The king then placed the jewel in one of the eyes of the ancient stone Buddha statue in Abhayagiriya.
Treatment of bhikkhu who drank milk with worms : The king administered an unknown liquid. After the bhikkhu drank it, the king revealed that the liquid was horse blood, obtained from a horse under treatment. Shocked by this, the bhikkhu immediately vomited, expelling the worms and thus curing him.
The man who consumed an egg of a watersnake: A man unknowingly swallowed a watersnake egg while drinking water, which eventually hatched inside him. The king made the man fast for a week and sleep with his mouth open. The king placed a piece of meat, tied to a string, in the man’s open mouth. Attracted by the smell, the snake emerged, and the king swiftly pulled it out with the string and placed it in a jug of water.
Treating a bhikku with a bent body born to a chandala woman.
The man who drank water with a frog egg: The eggs had hatched within the man’s body, causing him severe discomfort. The king performed a delicate surgical procedure to extract the tadpoles from the man’s head, successfully relieving him of his suffering.

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

Blaze, L. E. (2004). History of Ceylon. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1933)
Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part Of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
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.
Suraweera, A. V. (2014). රාජාවලිය. Education Publication Department of Sri Lanka. (Original work published 1976)