A monastery in Ceylon, near Anurádhapura. It was built by Devánampiyatissa for the five hundred vessas (merchants) who were ordained by Mahinda (Mhv.xx.15; Mhv. Trs. 137, n.3). Near the monastery was a forest, where Vattagámaní, in his flight, hid the alms bowl of the Buddha. There he also met the Elder Kupikkala Mahátissa (Mhv.xxxiii.48f). The alms bowl was discovered and taken by a Damila to India, but was later recovered (Mhv.xxxiii.55). To the south of Vessagiri was the Pabbata vihára, and, near it, the village of Silásobbhakandaka. MT.616.