Mahamevnāwa (Mahāmēgha) is an ancient park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was created by King Mutasiva (367 - 307 BC)whose name is in the history as the first king who structured a park. He who was the grand son of King Pandukabhaya and the father of King Devanampiya Tissa.[1]
King Pandukabhaya is the founder of the city of Anuradhapura. King Mutasiva, after succeding his father, formed two royal gardens which was located to the south and outside the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura. The garden called Nandana (Jōtivana) was situated immediately after the south gate and then was the Mahāmēgha.[2]
At the auspicious time the park was being started, there was an unusual fall of very heavy rain so the garden was named "maha (=heavy) megha (=shower)". According to Mahavamsa, the garden had been full of various kind of treas so with fruits and flowers.[3]
The park is well known for several religious sites in it, such as Samadhi Statue, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanveli stupa, Thupārāma stupa, etc.
References
- ↑ John M. Senaverathne: The Story of the Sinhalese. Asian Educational Services, 1998, ISBN 81-206-1271-X, VI, S. 43–45 (google.lk).
- ↑ H. Parker: Ancient Ceylon. 4th Auflage. Asian Educational Services, New Delhi 1999, ISBN 81-206-0208-0, S. 272.
- ↑ Walisinha Harischandra: The Sacred City of Anuradhapura - with Forty-Six Illustrations. Asian Educational Services, New Delhi 1998, ISBN 81-206-0216-1, Kap. 1, S. 1–2 (google.lk).