Parakkamabahu, Parakkamabāhu: 1 definition
Introduction:
Parakkamabahu means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names1. Parakkamabahu I.
King of Ceylon (1153 86). He was the son of the eldest of the three brothers, Manabharana, Kittisirimegha and Sirivallabha, who ruled over Dakkhinadesa and Rohana. He was born at Punkhagama in the Dakkhinadesa, where Manabharana was ruler. His birth was accompanied by various miracles. Vikkamabahu II., the then reigning king at Pulatthipura, hearing of this, wished to bring the boy up at his own court and make him his heir in place of his own son. But Manabharana refused to consent to this, and soon after died. Thereupon his brother Kittisirimegha took over Dakkhinadesa and left Rohana to Sirivallabha, who brought Manabharanas widow Ratnavali with her two daughters Mitta and Pabhavati and her son Parakkama, to his capital of Mahanagakula. Meanwhile Vikkamabahu dies and is succeeded by his son Gajabahu, who maintains his position in spite of the attacks of Kittisirimegha and Sirivallabha. Parakkama, finding no scope for his talents in Rohana, seeks his uncle Kittisirimegha, who receives him joyfully and takes him to live in his capital at Sankhatthali. There Parakkama finishes his education, and his coming of age is celebrated under the direction of the Senapati Sankha of Badalatthali. Sirivallabha dies in Rohana and is succeeded by his son, the younger Manabharana. Parakkamas ambitious spirit makes him restless, and he is discontented at the prospect of serving a petty principality. He wishes to seek royal dignity in Rajarattha, and refuses to listen to his uncles dissuasion, who assures him that he is only influenced by his love for him and fears for his safety. But Parakkama leaves Sankhatthali secretly and goes to Badalatthali, where the general Sankha is slain because he informed the king of Parakkamas flight. Parakkama then goes to Buddhagama near the frontiers of the Rajarattha. The inhabitants make repeated attempts to check his advance, but he repels these by his valour.
Meanwhile Kittisirimegha, after consultation with his ministers, sends a stronger force to try and overcome him, but the force is ambushed by the prince and completely routed after a night assault in Khiravapi. Parakkama then goes to Rajarattha, where messengers with gifts from Gajabahu meet him, the latter following to greet him in person and bring him to the capital. Parakkama lives at the court in Pulatthipura, but spends his time in spying out the country and intriguing with his hosts subjects. In order to lull the suspicions of Gajabahu, he gives him his sister Bhaddavati in marriage, keeping her dowry in his own hands. Later, feeling his position insecure, he returns to Dakkhinadesa, meeting on the way with all kinds of adventures which put his courage to the test. Kittisirimegha, delighted to hear of his return, sends messengers to Saraggama to meet him.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Parakkamabahupasada.
Full-text (+505): Kandadevamalava, Kalindi, Subhaddacetiya, Angagama, Pacchimarama, Hemamandira, Padivapi, Cittapokkharani, Uddhakurangama, Parakkamatalika, Sukarabhatu, Dandanayakabhataro, Kilamandapa, Anantapokkharani, Giritata, Parakkantabahu, Mahanagahula, Nilagallaka, Buddhagamakanijjhara, Kahallivapi.
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Search found 3 books and stories containing Parakkamabahu, Parakkamabāhu; (plurals include: Parakkamabahus, Parakkamabāhus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Great Buddhist Emperors of Asia (by Shibani Dutta)
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6. Thai Sangha’s Education in Thailand: Historical Background < [Chapter 2 - The Thai Sangha System of Education]
Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)