In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A little tableland immediately below the Silakuta of the Missaka Mountain in Ceylon. It was near here that Mahinda and his companions alighted after their aerial journey from Jambudipa (Mhv.xiii.20). There King Mahadathika Mahanaga built the Ambatthala Thupa, risking his own life in order to make the building secure. He made a cover for the whole thupa and, at its dedication, held the great Giribhandapuja (Mhv.xxiv.68-81). Kanitthatissaka built a monastery attached to the thupa (Mhv.xxxvi.9), which Gothabhaya renovated (Mhv.xxxvi.106).

The vihara was rebuilt or enlarged by Dhatusena. He intended to give it into the charge of the Theravadins, but ultimately gave it to the Dhammarucikas at the latters request (Cv.xxxviii.76). Sirimeghavanna had a life size golden image of Mahinda placed in the Ambatthala Cetiya (Cv.xxxvii.69).

It is said that the place was so called after the riddle of the mango tree (Mhv.xiv.17ff.) with which Mahinda put Devanampiyatissas discernment to the test. Even now mango trees are planted near the ceitya in memory of the event (Cv.trans. i.4. n.5).

Other names for the place are Cetiyambatthala (Cv.xxxvii.69) and Therambatthalaka (Mhv.xxxvi.106).

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).

India history and geography

Source: archive.org: Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 1963

Ambatthala is the name of a Mahāthūpa, Cetiya or Vihāra that formed a principal part of the Cetiyapabbata Vihāra: a locality that once existed in the ancient kingdom of Anurādhapura, Ceylon (Sri Lanka).—The Ambatthala Mahāthūpa or Ambulu Cetiya, on the very summit of the hill, identified by Paranavitana as the present Mahāthūpa, the highest and largest thūpa at Mihintale, was built by Mahādāṭhikamahānāga (7-19) : at the 4 entrances were 4 bejewelled arches. Dhātusena (455-473) built the Ambatthala Vihāra and handed it over to the Mahāyāna fraternity. The Mihintale tablets of Mahinda IV (956-972) mention Ambulu-dāgāba.

Source: Ancient Buddhist Texts: Geography of Early Buddhism

Ambaṭṭhala (अम्बट्ठल) is the name of a locality as recorded in the Pāli Buddhist texts (detailing the geography of ancient India as it was known in to Early Buddhism).—Ambaṭṭhala is mentioned in the Mahāvaṃsa. It is immediately below the Mihintale mountain, Ceylon. Besides these, there are a number of references to countries and places of Ceylon of lesser importance. They have all been noticed and identified in Geiger’s translation of the Mahāvaṃsa.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Ends with: Cetiyambatthala, Therambatthala.

Full-text: Cetiyambatthala, Silakuta, Bhanduka, Damiladevi, Therambatthala, Nagacatukka, Sagiri, Missakapabbata, Seygiri, Kanittha Tissa, Bhandu, Sirimeghavanna, Cetiyapabbata, Mahadathika Mahanaga, Silacetiya, Dhatusena, Dhammaruci.

Relevant text

Search found 2 books and stories containing Ambatthala, Ambaṭṭhala; (plurals include: Ambatthalas, Ambaṭṭhalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)

Chapter 13 - The Coming Of Mahinda

Chapter 36 - The Thirteen Kings

Chapter 14 - The Entry Into The Capital

+ 1 more chapters / show preview

Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)

Chapter 4j - The Twelve Kings

Chapter 4h - The Eleven Kings

Chapter 3 - Contribution of Mahinda & Saṅghamittā

show preview