A group of monks in Ceylon who seem to have spent most of their time in solitary spots engaged in meditation. They owed allegiance to the Mahávihára. They are first heard of in the sixth century when, in the reign of Aggabodhi II., the King of Kalinga came over to Ceylon and joined the Order under the famous Elder Jotipála. This fraternity seems to have been closely associated with the Buddhists of Kálinga. Among famous scholars belonging to it were: Ananda Vanaratanatissa, Vedeha, Cola Buddhappiya, Culla Dhammapála, Medhankara, his pupil Ananda and Siddhattha.
The Arańńavásins were specially esteemed by Parakkamabáhu of Dambadeniya. For details about them see P.L.C. 210-13, 226, 229.