King Gothabhaya

Gothabhaya: (240 AD – 253 AD)

After King Siri Sangha Bo left  city, Gothabhaya became the new King. He was suspcious that Siri
Sangha Bo would come back with an army. Gothabhaya promised to provide huge sum of money to
anyone who would bring Siri Sangha Bo’s head.
Siri Sangha Bo Giving His Head to a Poor Man:
One day in the jungle, Siri Sangha Bo met a very poor man. King removed his head and gave it to the
poor man so that he could claim the prize. The homeless man took the head to King Gothabhaya.
King was not sure whether it belongs to Siri Sangha Bo. At this point, the head started to talk and
confirmed that it is really Siri Sangha Bo and Gothabhaya should provide the promised prize to the
poor man. King Gothabhaya gave the promised prize to the poor man.
King Gothabhaya renewed stone pillars at Lowa Maha Paaya.
(Author’s Note: Mahavamsa provides a detailed list of meritorious acts conducted by King
Gothabhaya. He is the father of one of the greatest Kings of Lanka, King Mahasen).
King Githabhaya’s Two Sons: (Jetta Tissa and Mahasen):
King Gothabhaya had two sons. Jetta Tissa was the older son and Mahasen was the younger son. A
Chola monk named Sanghamittha was the mentor of two young boys. Thera Sanghamittha was against
Mahavihara (Theravadha) bhikkus. King Gothabhaya was closer to Thera Sanghamittha and obtained
advice from him against the wishes of Mahavihara bhikkus. Two sons grew up under Sanghamittha.
Bhikku Sanghamittha was more fond of Mahasen than Jetta Tissa. Due to this reason, older son Jetta
Tissa was not happy with bhikku Sanghamittha.

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