King of Ceylon (1137-1153). He was the son of Vikkamabáhu II. and succeeded his father to the throne (Cv.lx.88, according to the Dimbulágala Inscription, his mother was Sundarí). Thus he was the grandson of Vijayabáhu I and of Tilokasundarí, and came, therefore, of Kálinga stock. When he saw the increasing power of the Prince Parakkamabáhu (afterwards Parakkamabáhu I.), Gajabáhu sent for him with many marks of favour and welcomed him at his court. In order to win the king's confidence Parakkama gave his sister Bhaddavati to be his queen, but when he saw that Gajabáhu was becoming suspicious of his power he left Pulatthipura and made preparations to wage war against him. In the campaign that followed, Gajabáhu suffered many reverses and, in the end, fell into the hands of Parakkama's forces. With great difficulty Parakkama saved him from death, but in the meantime Mánábharana managed to get Gajabáhu into his power and cast him into a dungeon. From there he was rescued by Parakkamabáhu and fled to Kotthasára. Meanwhile, Parakkamabáhu had consolidated his power, and his officers captured Pulatthipura. Gajabáhu, being able to see no other help, implored the monks of Pulatthipura to intercede on his behalf, and, at their request, Parakkamabáhu left to Gajabáhu the enjoyment of his possessions. (This is rather odd, especially in view of the fact that he invited heretical nobles to come to Ceylon, Cv.lxx.53). Gajabáhu took up his abode at Gangátaláka and spent his last days there in comparative peace. As he had no heir and no brothers, he bequeathed his kingdom to Parakkamabáhu, and engraved his will on a stone tablet at Mandalagiri Vihára. He was cremated at Kotthasára. (Details of Gajabáhu's reign and his fights with Parakkamabáhu are contained in the Cúlavamsa, particularly in chapters 63, 66, 67, 70, 71). See also Gajabáhukagámani.