Mahelanagara, Mahela-nagara: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Mahelanagara 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»] — Mahelanagara in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A Damila stronghold, subdued by Dutthagamani after a four months siege.

Its commander was called Mahela (Mhv.xxv.48f).

The Mahavamsa Tika (479f.) explains that the city lay off the road leading from Vijitapura to Anuradhapura. It was the kings elephant, Kandula, who led the way thither. The city erected on the spot where the elephant turned off the main road was called Nivattagirinagara.

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

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

Mahelanagara is the name of an ancient locality that existed since the ancient kingdom of Anurādhapura, Ceylon (Sri Lanka).—From Girilaka, Duṭṭhagāmaṇi Abhaya advanced to Mahelanagara. In a 5th century inscription at Anurādhapura, the town of Mahelaka or Makalaka is mentioned. The Makulaka-vihāra was at the foot of Riṭigala (see under Ariṭṭhagiri). If the equation Mahelanagara = Mahelaka =Makaiaka= Makulaka is correct, then Mahelanagara was near Riṭigala. At the spot where Duṭṭhagāmaṇi turned aside from the road to Anurādhapura in order to march on Mahelanagara, he founded the village of Nivattagiri.

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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