Information AboutDutugemunu |
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King Gamini Abhaya or "Dutthagamini" (commonly known as Dutugemunu - literally "Naughty Gamini") is a legendary Sinhalase King of the ancient Sinhala Kingdom of Rajarata in modern day Sri Lanka . Notably, he is the only individual distinguished as the "Hero of the Mahavamsa " (the historical chronicle of the Sinhala Kingdom in Sri Lanka). The son of the peaceful King Kakavanna Tissa of Rohana (the Southern Kingdom) and his wife Viharamahadevi, Dutugemunu is and was seen as a liberator of the Sinhala people, particularly for his daring and ultimately successful military campaign against the South Indian King Elara who ruled the Northern Kingdom. Dutugemunu is also much revered for his philanthropic work, having contributed to the consolidation of both Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and for securing the prosperity of the people he governed and the united Sinhala nation he established. Under him, the country and its inhabitants enjoyed a lasting peace and a period of cultural and religious enlightenment similar to that of the European Rennaisance. His rule lasted from approximately 164B.C to 140B.C when he died of an unidentified disease whilst gazing upon his colossal Mahathupa from his deathbed. Much mythological speculation surrounds the birth of Dutugemunu. RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS King Dutugemunu built the most sacred Stupa in Sri Lanka. It is called ''Swarnamalee chethiya'' and is also called ''Ruwanweli seya''.He also built another stupa called ''Mirisawetiya''. "Mirisawetiya", was King Dutugemunu's first stupa and was built more than 2100 years ago. ou may visit {Link without Title} for a comprehensive description of the Mirisawetiya Stupa. |
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