Introduction
King Vikramabahu III was one of the rulers of the ancient Gampola Kingdom. Although detailed information about his reign is limited in historical records, he holds a unique place in Sri Lankan history due to his chief queen, Henakanda Bisō Bandāra, being revered as a deity.
Reign
King Vikramabahu III is recorded in history as an important ruler of the Gampola Kingdom. The Gampola Kingdom was a major political and cultural center in Lanka at that time. It is believed that the king worked to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity within the kingdom during his rule. However, precise dates of his reign or detailed information about major events that occurred during his rule are not clearly available today.
Chief Queen: Henakanda Bisō Bandāra
One of the most notable aspects linked to the life of King Vikramabahu III is his chief queen, Princess Henakanda Bisō Bandāra. According to folklore and ancient texts, she was revered as a deity after her death. This clearly reflects the high respect and religious devotion accorded to members of the royal family in society at that time. The deification of Henakanda Bisō Bandāra may have also influenced King Vikramabahu III’s rule and the prestige of his royal family.
Legacy
The legacy of King Vikramabahu III is primarily tied to the belief in the divinity of his chief queen, Henakanda Bisō Bandāra. He is recorded in history as a king who ruled the Gampola Kingdom, and his story serves as an excellent example of the religious and cultural significance of royal family members. His name is still mentioned in Sri Lankan history today because of this unique connection.