One of the heterodox sects which branched off from the Theraváda in Ceylon (Mhv.v.13).
They formed a part of the Dhammarucikas, and separated from that body three hundred and forty one years after the establishment of Buddhism in Ceylon. They lived at first in the Dakkhina vihára, but later went to the Jetavana vihára, built by Mahásena. They made certain alterations in the Ubhatovibhanga (MT.175, 176; Cf. Sás.p.24; see also Mhv.xxxvii.32 ff., and MT.680).
According to the Singhalese Nikáyasangrahaya (Quoted in Geiger's Dípavamsa and Mahávamsa, p.90), the Ságalikas took their name from their leader, Ságala Thera, and their separation took place seven hundred and ninety five years after the Buddha's death, in the reign of King Gothábhaya. Moggallána I. gave the viháras of Dalha and Dáthákondańńa, on Síhagiri, to the Dhammarucikas and the Ságalikas, while he also gave the Rájiní nunnery for the use of the nuns of the Ságalika sect (Cv.xxxix.41, 43). Aggabodhi II. gave the Veluvana vihára, which he had built, to the Ságalikas (Cv.xlii.43). Kassapa IV. built for them the Kassapasenavihára. Cv.lii.17.