Mahameghavana, Mahāmeghavana, Maha-meghavana: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Mahameghavana means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Mahameghavana in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Mahameghavana Mahameghavana

1. Mahameghavana

A park to the south of Anuradhapura. Between the park and the city lay Nandana or Jotivana. The park was laid out by Mutasiva, and was so called because at the time the spot was chosen for a garden, a great cloud, gathering at an unusual time, poured forth rain (Mhv.xi.2f). Devanampiyatissa gave the park to Mahinda for the use of the Order (Mhv.xv.8, 24; Dpv.xviii.18; Sp.i.81) and within its boundaries there came into being later the Maha Vihara and its surrounding buildings. The fifteenth chapter of the Mahavamsa (Mhv.xv.27ff) gives a list of the chief spots associated with the religion, which came into existence there. Chief among these are the sites of the Bodhi tree, the thirty two malakas, the Catussala, the Maha Thupa, the Thuparama, the Lohapasada, and various parivenas connected with Mahinda: Sunhata, Dighacankamana, Phalagga, Therapassaya, Marugana and Dighasandasenapati. Later, the Abhayagiri vihara and the Jetavanarama were also erected there.

The Mahameghavana was visited by Gotama Buddha (Mhv.i.80; Dpv.ii.61, 64), and also by the three Buddhas previous to him. In the time of Kakusandha it was known as Mahatittha, in that of Konagamana as Mahanoma, and in that of Kassapa as Mahasagara (Mhv.xv.58, 92, 126).

The Mahameghavana was also called the Tissarama, and on the day it was gifted to the Sangha, Mahinda scattered flowers on eight spots contained in it, destined for future buildings, and the earth quaked eight times (Mhv.xv.174). This was on the day of Mahindas arrival in Anuradhapura. The first building to be erected in the Mahameghavana was the Kalapasada parivena (q.v.) for the use of Mahinda. In order to hurry on the work, bricks used in the building were dried with torches (Mhv.xv.203). The boundary of the Mahameghavana probably coincided with the sima of the Mahavihara, but it was later altered by Kanitthatissa, when he built the Dakkhina vihara. Mhv.xxxvi.12. For a deposition of the various spots of the Mahameghavana see Mbv.137.

2. Mahameghavana

A park laid out by Parakammabahu I. Cv.lxxix. 7, 41.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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India history and geography

[«previous next»] — Mahameghavana in India history glossary
Source: archive.org: Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 1963

Mahāmeghavaṇa is the name of a park that existed in the Polonnaruva (Polonnaruwa) district of Ceylon (Sri Lanka).—The Pūjāvaliya gives the name Mahāsamudra to the Parakkamasamudda at Polonnaruva. The canal system associated with Parakkamasamudda is described and named in the Cūlavamsa as follows:—[...] Hemavatī canal, which flowed from the main reservoir in the direction of the Mahāmeghavaṇa park; [...].

Source: Ancient Buddhist Texts: Geography of Early Buddhism

Mahāmeghavana (महामेघवन) is the name of a forest (vana) as recorded in the Pāli Buddhist texts (detailing the geography of ancient India as it was known in to Early Buddhism).—Mahāmeghavana (cf. Dīpavaṃsa and Mahāvaṃsa) stretched south of the capital city of Anurādhapura, Ceylon.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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