Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 1

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Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 42 King sent people to find the bhikku who gave the brick. When King’s men found the bhikku, the King ordered to give the bhikku garments. Author’s Note: The intention of bhikkus were to participate in construction activities to gather merit. Unfortunately, that was not appreciated by the King due to strict quality control protocol. Apparently, the King was gifting bhikkus who placed these unauthorized bricks as if to say “I know what you did. Here is a gift for that, but do not do it again”. Workers Went To Heaven: • Two female workers, who worked in the Mahathupa, went to heaven after their deaths. They watched the construction activities from heaven and one day came down from heaven to pay homage to Mahathupa. (Author’s Note: This passage shows the participation of female workers at the construction site. Unfortunately, Mahavamsa does not say the role of female workers. Its not clear whether they were involved in construction activities or support work such as preparing and distributing food, nursing injured workers etc.) Sinking of Flower Stages: • When construction started on the flower stages, they started to sink. More stones were added to bring the stages to the proper elevation. Stages sunk again. More repairs and more stones were added. Stages kept sinking. It happened nine times. Finally King Dutugamunu inquired the bhikkus for the reason for the sinking of flower stages. Bhikkus stated that some bhikkus with miraculous powers are making the stages sink and they would not do that again. King was glad and ordered the stages to be constructed for the tenth time. Construction of The Relic Chamber: Two Samanera’s (Novice bhikkus) were selected to bring special stones from Kuru country. (Northern India). Samaneras brought six massive stones measuring 80 cubits in length and breadth and eight inches thick. 80 cubits (120 ft) 8 in These huge stones were placed in the middle of the relic chamber. A Bodhi tree made of jewels was placed at the center as well. Many jewels and pearls were placed around the Bodhi tree. Scenes from Lord Buddha’s life were painted. (Subdue of Jatilas, King Bimbisara’s visit, eight disciples, acceptance of Rajagaha etc).
Concise Mahavamsa Ruwan Rajapakse, P.E., Sinhalanet.com 43 At four corners of the relic chamber statues of world securing gods (In Sinhalese “Loka Palaka Deviyan”) were placed. Four world securing gods are Vessavana, Dahataratta, Virulha and Virupakkha. King Dutugamunu’s Death: (Author’s Note: Emotional account of the death of King Dutugamunu is given in Mahavamsa). During the construction of the top portion of the Mahathupa, (“Kotha” in Sinhalese) the King fell sick. King asked Tissa to complete the remaining work at Mahathupa, since he was sick. Tissa understood that King Dutugamunu was in his last stages. Tissa knew he would not be able to complete the Thupa before the death of the King. He had tailors prepare the top portion of Mahathupa with cloths. Prince Tissa having done that, went to King Dutugamunu and said that the Mahathupa was completed. King immediately showed his desire to see the completed Thupa. Workers carried the King to the Thupa on a specially prepared bed. King paid homage to the Thupa at the south entrance prior to entering it. The King was placed between Mahathupa and Lohapasada. On his right side there was splendid Mahathupa and on his left side there was Lohapasada. (Author’s note: If one goes to Ruwan Vali Saaya today it is possible to make an educated guess where King Dutugamunu was at his last moment.) The King was surrounded by many Bhikkus. Hearing the presence of the King at Mahathupa, many lay people and monks came to the site. Bhikkus recited Buddhist chants in one voice. (“Seth pirith” in Sinhalese). Former Warrior Theraputthabhaya Not Present: Looking around, King saw many bhikkus, but he did not see the former warrior (now a bhikku), Thera Putthabhaya. King said “Oh, The great warrior Thera Putthabhaya, who fought twenty eight battles with me never yielding ground is not here in my last battle with death. He is not coming to see me since he foresees my defeat.” Messengers were sent to Thera Putthabhaya and he arrived immediately to see the King. King looked at Thera Putthabhaya and said “Oh..Great warrior Thera Putthabhaya…In the past you helped me, fight those many wars. Today I have entered the battlefield alone. In this struggle you can not help. I can not conquer death”. Bhikku Thera Putthabhaya stated “Oh..Great King…Death can not be conquered without conquering sin.” Then he recited the very famous Buddhist poem:
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