Mahatittha, Mahātittha: 1 definition

Introduction:

Mahatittha 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)

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

1. Mahatittha. A brahmin village in Magadha, the birthplace of Maha Kassapa. ThagA.ii.141; AA.i.99; SA.ii.143.

2. Mahatittha. The name of Mahameghavana in the time of Kakusandha Buddha. It was presented to the Buddha by king Abhaya, who planted in it a branch of the Bodhi tree brought by Rucananda. Mhv.xv. 58, 73f., 83.

3. Mahatittha. A landing place on the west coast of Ceylon. The wives brought from Madhura for Vijaya and his companions landed there, hence the name (Mhv.vii.58; see Mhv.Trs.60, n.1). There landed also in later times Bhalluka, from South India (Mhv.xxv.79), the Damilas and others who invaded Ceylon (Mhv.xxxiii.39; Cv.lviii.14; Cv.xi.37; Cv.lxxxviii.63). It was probably the chief port f or vessels plying between South India and Ceylon. Thus, it was from there that Sakkasenapati embarked for the Pandu country (Cv.lii.73), and there that the Pandu king landed from Cola (Cv.liii.5). The expeditionary force of Vijayabahu I. embarked there for Cola (Cv.lx.34), as did the forces of Parakkamabahu I. under Lankapura (Cv.lxxvi.83).

It was a convenient place for preparations to be made before advancing on the capital, or merely journeying thither (thus Cv.lxviii.81; Cv.li.28). It was a place of strategic importance, and when Magha and Jayabahu invaded Ceylon, they set up fortifications there. Cv.lxxxiii.16.

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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