Viharadevi, Vihāradevī: 1 definition
Introduction:
Viharadevi 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 NamesWife of Kakavannatissa and mother of Dutthagamani and Saddhatissa. She was the daughter of Tissa, king of Kalyani and was cast adrift in a boat on the ocean in order to appease the sea gods in their wrath against Tissa for having killed an arahant. Her name was Devi, but because she came ashore near the monastery of Tolaka (?) (This is probably the correct reading of the name; see MT. 432) she was called Viharadevi (Mhv.xxii.20ff). When with her first child, she longed to eat a honeycomb one usabha in length and to drink the water in which had been washed the sword used in cutting off the head of Nandasarathi, chief of Elaras warriors (Mhv.42ff.; MT. 441). When she was the second time with child, she wished to lie under a campaka tree in bloom and inhale its fragrance (MT.443).
When her husband died, Saddhatissa carried her off, hoping thus to win the kingdom, but she was later restored to Dutthagamani. She was wise and practical and helped in Dutthagamanis campaigns, especially in the capture of Ambatittha and Anuradhapura (Mhv.xxv.9, 55). We know nothing of her later history.
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)
Full-text: Lanka Vihara, Velusumana, Kakavanna Tissa, Dutthagamani Abhaya.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Viharadevi, Vihāradevī; (plurals include: Viharadevis, Vihāradevīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles: