The Pandya Kings and Jainism
The Pandya Kings and Jainism
The ten sons of King Gamini Abhaya, who ruled as a Pandyan king in Eelam, were known as Dasapathikan. Among them, the eldest was called Dharmaraja. Dharmaraja had a son named “Maha Tissa Aya.” The daughter of Maha Tissa Aya was Abhi Savera.
Inscriptions IC14, IC15, and IC556–569 indicate that King Maha Tissa Aya had a daughter named “Savera.” The inscriptions found at “Kottadamuhela” in southern Eelam (IC556–569) mention that Princess Savera, daughter of Maha Tissa Aya, and her husband Prince Abhaya had a son named Prince Tissa. Together, this royal couple donated 14 caves to monks who followed their religious discipline.
In addition, the inscriptions IC14 and IC15 found at Mihintale in Anuradhapura indicate that this Princess Savera later became a renunciant (a nun). When comparing IC14 and IC556, it appears that King Maha Tissa Aya was also known as King Tissa of Ganegama (or Ganegama Tissa).
Therefore, based on these inscriptions, the question arises: to which religious tradition did the monks belong to whom Princess Savera and Prince Tissa donated the 14 caves? Answering this question may shed light on several unresolved historical issues. If Savera, who was deeply devoted to this religious tradition, later renounced worldly life, then identifying that tradition becomes historically significant. If such evidence could be confirmed through these inscriptions, it would represent the strongest possible historical source.
Thus, these inscriptions hold answers regarding that tradition.
Based on these data, it is possible to understand which religious tradition was followed by the Eelam Pandya rulers from King Gamini to Savera.
IC556 (–569): “Kottadamuhela”
“Dhammaraja putra Maha Tissa Aya jita Abhi Savera aya Abhaya putra Tissa aya Abhi Savera dana … sangha dine”
Translation:
The daughter Savera of Maha Tissa Aya, son of Dharmaraja, and Prince Tissa, son of Abhaya, together donated these cave dwellings to the monks (sangha) as a gift (dana). Food offerings were also provided during this dana ceremony.
IC14 (–IC15): “Mihintale”
“Ganegama rajasa Tissa jita Savera samaniya lene sangha”
Translation:
This refers to the cave donated to the monastic community at Mihintale by Princess Savera, daughter of King Tissa of Ganegama.
Food (sangha dana) was also provided, and it was customary that on the day of renunciation, public announcements were made and food was distributed to those who gathered at the prepared cave site. This was considered a traditional duty.
All these inscriptions clearly indicate such practices.
Although hundreds of similar inscriptions exist, only a few explicitly mention the religious affiliation. Most do not clearly state the specific tradition involved. Therefore, based on the limited available inscriptions, it is possible to infer their earlier donations and religious orientation.
Translation by Hari
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