Elara, Elāra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Elara 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 NamesKing of Anuradhapura (145-101 B.C.) He was a native of Cola, and having come to Ceylon, overpowered the reigning king, Asela, and captured the throne. The Mahavamsa says (Mhv.xxi.14f ) that he ruled with even justice towards friend and foe, and many stories are related showing his love of fairness and his kindness. Although an unbeliever, he paid the greatest respect to Buddhism, and he is credited with having persuaded the gods, by his determination, to send rain over his kingdom only at convenient times. Elara had a general named Mitta (Mhv.xxiii.4); the chief of his forces was Dighajantu, while his royal elephant was called Mahapabbata. In the great battle between Elaras forces and the Sinhalese soldiers under Dutthagamani, Elara was slain in single contest with the latter. In recognition of the dead kings chivalry, great honours were paid to him at his funeral and a monument was erected over his ashes. For many generations all music was stopped while passing the monument as a mark of respect to the honoured dead (Mhv.xxv.54-74; Dpv.xxiii.49ff).
According to the Mahavamsa Tika (p. 483), a shrine was erected on the spot where Elaras ashes were buried, and it was called the Elarapatimaghara. It was to the south of Anuradhapura, beyond the potters village.
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: Elara-thupa, Elarai-antucani, Elaramu, Elarangom, Elaranuga, Elarasalaka.
Ends with: Debrelara, Dudhelara, Jelara, Kallakavelara, Koranekelara, Tuvaradhipativelara.
Full-text (+4): Vaha, Nandasarathi, Elara-thupa, Cetiyadamila, Nigrodhasala, Ranamaddava, Mahapabbata, Sirigutta, Kulanta-vapi, Dutthagamani Abhaya, Dighajantu, Bhalluka, Sena, Velusumana, Asela, Kandula, Nandhimitta, Colarattha, Polonnaruwa, Dakkhina-vihara.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Elara, Elāra, Eḷāra; (plurals include: Elaras, Elāras, Eḷāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Dipavamsa (study) (by Sibani Barman)
The Great Buddhist Emperors of Asia (by Shibani Dutta)
Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)
Chapter 25 - The Victory Of Duttha Gamani
Chapter 22 - The Birth Of Prince Gamani
A Short history of Lanka (by Humphry William Codrington)