A critical study of the efforts made by the successive rulers of Dambadeniya period in order to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha

Abstract

In the history of Ceylon, the change of capitals for the third time occurred in the city of Dambadeniya in 1232 A.D. under the king of III Vijayabahu of Dambadeniya became the center of power and overall authority. When examining and analyzing the courses and effects of the decline of Polonnaruwa and the rise of Dambadeniya, Sri Lankan was engrossed in a formidable predicament. This came about as a result of the invasion launched by an unscrupulous invader Magha from the state Kalinga in India. By his invasion, he degraded the political, economic, social and religious harmony and dignity in the country. The contemporary Bhikkus who had seen this situation had exerted enormous energy to combat this state of affairs, mainly to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic from the invader. The Bhikkus who engaged themselves in this arduous and meritorious deed, having hidden the sacred tooth relic underground at Kotmale and left the country in order to escape from death. The Dambadeniya dynasty comprises III Vijayabahu, II Parakramabahu, IV Vijayabahu and I Buanekabahu. Among the religious services and activities performed by this rulers pertaining to the secret tooth relic took an important place. The most important duty of III Vijayabahu on he becoming the king was to call back from the India the Bhikkus who had left the country for fear of death, and to restore the sacred tooth relic which was hidden at Kotmale to Dambadeniya. From that time rulers had taken scrupulous care to protect and guard the sacred tooth relic. This study is made on historical literature and archaeological data. The conclusions arrived in this study are: 1. There had been a strenuous effect throughout this period to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic. 2. There were religious performances connected with the tooth relic, exhibition of the tooth relic ,periodical processions connected with sacred tooth relic. 3. In addition to above, the possession, the possession of the sacred tooth relic had been the symbol of power and kingship.