King Siri Sangha Bodhi I (Siri Sangabo) [251-253 CE]

Predecessor		Successor
King Sangha Tissa I [247-251 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-	King Siri Sangha Bodhi I [251-253 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-	King Gothabhaya I [253-266 CE] -House of Lambakanna I-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

About King Siri Sangha Bodhi I (Siri Sangabo)

King Siri Sangha Bodhi I, widely known as “Sirisangabo,” holds a prominent place in Sri Lankan history. However, unlike many other rulers celebrated for their military achievements, Sirisangabo is renowned for his adherence to justice and his unwavering commitment to the five Buddhist precepts, embodying saintly virtues. He was the son of Prince Abhayasela and Princess Devugon.

Extreme Behavior King Siri Sangha Bodhi I (Siri Sangabo)

Despite ascending to the throne, King Siri Sangha Bodhi‘s reign reflected his deeply rooted simplicity and unwavering commitment to the five Buddhist precepts: abstaining from killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and consuming intoxicants. However, adhering strictly to these principles while governing proved to be a daunting challenge for the king.

The king’s refusal to punish offenders became evident over time. Convicted criminals brought to the capital were secretly released by the king at night, while corpses from the city were displayed as executed criminals or disposed of, creating the illusion of justice being served. This practice led to a surge in crime, with unchecked robberies and violent offenses destabilizing the country. The neglect of law enforcement fostered an environment where crime flourished, leaving the vulnerable population in fear and despair.

Amidst a severe drought, the King Siri Sangha Bodhi reportedly took extraordinary measures to alleviate his people’s suffering. He performed an act resembling a satyagraha at Ruwanweli Seya, imploring the deities responsible for the weather to bring rainfall. Additionally, when pestilence afflicted his kingdom, legend holds that he offered his own flesh to the demon believed to be causing the epidemic, showcasing his selflessness and deep sense of duty toward his subjects.

Treachery of Prince Gotabhaya

Gotabhaya, who had long awaited his turn to ascend the throne, grew increasingly impatient as he recalled the blind man’s prophecy. The seer had foretold that all three friends—Sanghatissa, Siri Sangha Bodhi, and Gotabhaya—would rule the kingdom, but the last among them would enjoy the longest reign. With Sanghatissa already dead and Siri Sangha Bodhi’s overly righteous rule destabilizing the country, Gotabhaya decided the time had come to claim the throne.

Raising an armed force, Gotabhaya advanced toward Anuradhapura. Upon hearing of the impending attack, King Siri Sangha Bodhi, true to his principle of nonviolence, chose to abdicate rather than shed blood in resistance. Taking only his water strainer, a symbol of his asceticism, he fled the city alone via the southern gate to avoid endangering anyone who might attempt to accompany him.

Gotabhaya entered the capital unopposed and promptly crowned himself as King Gothabhaya, marking the start of his reign.

Exile of King Siri Sangha Bodhi I (Siri Sangabo)

Fleeing south, Siri Sangha Bodhi found refuge among a rocky landscape of Attanagalla, traditionally thought to be in the Gampaha District but now believed to be the Hatthikuchchi Monastic Complex in Rajanganaya, Anuradhapura District. This shift in location belief stems from archaeological findings and historical analysis linking Hatthikuchchi to ancient monastic settlements associated with Siri Sangha Bodhi.

Meanwhile, Gothabhaya became increasingly paranoid, perceiving his rule as unstable while Siri Sangha Bodhi remained at large. In an attempt to secure his reign, Gothabhaya announced a reward for Sangha Bodhi’s head. The magnitude of the reward incited chaos, as opportunists began killing innocent individuals and presenting their heads in hopes of claiming the prize.

Ultimate Sacrifice of King Siri Sangha Bodhi I (Siri Sangabo)

During this time, a poor man and his wife lived near Attanagalla, close to where King Siri Sangabo had sought refuge and was meditating peacefully. Hearing about the reward offered for the king’s head, the woman urged her husband, known for his laziness, to seek out the king and bring back his head. She provided him with rice and dried fish to sustain him on his journey.

Following jungle footpaths, the man eventually reached the rocks near Attanagalla, where he stumbled upon a shaded area and a tranquil pool of water. Intending to rest and eat his meal, he approached the rocks and discovered a serene figure meditating by the pool. Striking up a conversation, the man explained the errand on which his wife had sent him, describing the turmoil in the capital, where people were being killed and their heads presented as those of Siri Sangabo to claim the reward.

This encounter set the stage for one of the most poignant moments in Sri Lankan history, highlighting Siri Sangha Bodhi’s saintly character and selflessness.

Siri Sangabo listened attentively and calmly revealed his identity, stating, “I am Siri Sangabo. Take my head to King Gothabhaya and claim the reward.” When the man refused to take the king’s life, he fled in distress. However, Siri Sangabo called him back and, in an extraordinary act of self-sacrifice, took his own life to spare others from unjust deaths.

Despite being filled with sorrow and guilt, the man brought Siri Sangabo’s head to Anuradhapura to claim the reward. When Gothabhaya learned of the king’s noble sacrifice, he was deeply remorseful. He immediately traveled to Attanagalla, where he discovered Siri Sangabo’s headless body and the lifeless form of the queen, who had also perished nearby in a pond later named Nivam Pokuna (“Pond of Repose”).

Gothabhaya ensured that both bodies were cremated with royal honors, and ceremonies befitting their status were performed. Recognizing the spiritual greatness of Siri Sangabo, Gothabhaya memorialized him by establishing significant temples and monuments, to preserve his legacy of compassion, righteousness, and ultimate sacrifice.

Works of King Siri Sangha Bodhi I

Salaka House in Maha Vihara Monastery

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

Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.
Oldenberg, H. (2001). The Dipavamsa : An Ancient Buddhist Historical Record. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1879)
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.
Senaveratne, J. M. (1930). The Story of the Sinhalese : From the Most Ancient Times Up to the End of “The Mahavansa” or Great Dynasty. W. M. A. Wahid & Brothers.