Bhatikabhaya Abhaya

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Bhatikabhaya Abhaya
King of Anuradhapura
King Bathikabhaya.jpg
An 8 feet high stone statue of Bhatikabhaya Abhaya facin the Ruwanwelisaya
Reign20 BC – 9 AD
Predecessor Kutakanna Tissa
Successor Mahadathika Mahanaga
ConsortSamadevi
Dynasty House of Vijaya
Father Kutakanna Tissa
Religion Theravāda Buddhism

Bhatikabhaya Abhaya or also known as Bhatikatissa was the King of Anuradhapura in the 1st century BC, whose reign lasted from 20 BC to 9 AD. He succeeded his father Kutakanna Tissa as King of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by his brother Mahadathika Mahanaga. [1] [2]

Contents

It is recorded that the king coated the Ruvanweliseya in pearls and had it scented with flowers and honeycombs yearly. It is also recorded that the king was generous towards the Viharaya’s across Sri Lanka gifting clothes and giving daily alms. [2]

His reign of 29 years is recorded in Sri Lankan history as a very peaceful and prosperous time in the Anuradhapura kingdom. [a] During his period of rule the king stopped collecting taxes. [2]

Relations with Rome

It is mentioned in historical texts that King Bhathikabhaya exported beads to the Roman Empire. [3]

A freedman of Annius Plocamus had mistakenly sailed on to the territory of Anuradhapura kingdom and had the opportunity to meet the king of Anuradhapura kingdom, the impressive collection of Roman coins caught the interest of the king on the western civilization and with the freedman a Sinhalese person was taken back to the mainland of the Roman Empire, it is said that he had become a diplomat for the Roman Empire. [4] [5]

Works by the king

NameDate of constructionDescription
Cittupathana pasada20 BC - 9 ADPalace/Mansion used by the king to give regular alms to monks. [2] [6]
Maniupatthana pasada
Mucalupatthana
Paduma
Chattapasada
Uposatha buildingConstructed near Thuparama. [2]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ During his period no known conflicts took place.

References

  1. ↑ Costa, M. S. N. L. De (2009). Glory of the Royal Cities. Sunil de Costa. p. 2. ISBN   978-955-50332-1-3.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Senaveratna, John M. (1997). The Story of the Sinhalese from the Most Ancient Times Up to the End of "the Mahavansa" Or Great Dynasty: Vijaya to Maha Sena, B.C. 543 to A.D.302. Asian Educational Services. pp. 210–211. ISBN   978-81-206-1271-6.
  3. ↑ Sidebotham, Steven E. (2011-02-02). Berenike and the Ancient Maritime Spice Route. University of California Press. p. 192. ISBN   978-0-520-94838-9.
  4. ↑ Yogasundram, Nath (2008). A Comprehensive History of Sri Lanka from Prehistory to Tsunami. Vijitha Yapa Publications. p. 40. ISBN   978-955-665-002-0.
  5. ↑ Sidebotham, Steven E. (2011-02-02). Berenike and the Ancient Maritime Spice Route. University of California Press. p. 72. ISBN   978-0-520-94838-9.
  6. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2009-06-08). "Pasada, Pāsāda, Pasāda: 5 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
Bhatikabhaya Abhaya
Born: ? ? Died: ? ?
Regnal titles
Preceded by King of Anuradhapura
20 BC–9 AD		Succeeded by


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