A Lambakanna, king of Ceylon (307-9 A.C.), generally called Sirisanghabodhi. He succeeded Sanghatissa and set up a saláká house in the Mahávihára. He was a very good king, and made rain fall by virtue of his goodness. He quelled the Yakkha Rattakkhi, who devastated his territory. When his treasurer, Gothakábhaya, rose in revolt, he abdicated in his favour and became an ascetic. Later, he gave his head in gratitude to a poor man who gave him a meal, so that the man could win from the king the price which had been set on his head. (Mhv.xxxvi.73ff.; Dpv.xxii.53f ).

The legend of the king surrendering his head is famous in Ceylon, and forms the theme of a Páli Chronicle, the Hatthavanagallaviháravamsa.


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