Introduction
Vijayabahu III was a regional leader and a prince of the Bodhi clan who ascended to the throne in 1232 AD, making Dambadeniya his capital. He was able to alleviate the instability that prevailed in the country after the invasion of Magha, uniting the Maya Rata and establishing political stability there. In contemporary sources, King Vijayabahu III is referred to as ‘Wanni Rajā’ or ‘Wanni Niriñdu’.
Reign and Key Events
King Vijayabahu III ruled for a short period of about four years, from 1232 to 1236 AD. His reign is extremely important due to his efforts to restore the fallen Buddhist Sasana (dispensation) and the prestige of the monarchy after Magha’s invasion.
According to the text called Pujavaliya, King Vijayabahu III took steps to bring the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Alms Bowl Relic of the Buddha, which had been taken to Kothmale and hidden in the ground due to Magha’s invasion, and enshrined them in a Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic built on top of the Beligala rock in the Kegalle District. Obtaining the Tooth Relic was considered at the time to confirm one’s claim to the throne.
Services and Buddhist Revival
During the King’s short reign, several religious and social services were performed:
- Construction of the Beligala Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: A Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was built on top of the Beligala rock to enshrine the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Alms Bowl Relic of the Buddha.
- Bringing back Buddhist monks: Steps were taken to bring back Buddhist monks who had gone abroad for refuge to Sri Lanka.
- Construction of viharas: The King contributed to the construction of a temple named Vijayatsundararama in Dambadeniya, as well as the Wattala Vijayabahu Vihara.
- Sangha Reform: By re-establishing the Upasampada (higher ordination) ceremony and reforming the Sangha, he affirmed the purity of the Buddhist monks.
- Renovation of ancient viharas: He worked to revive ancient temples such as the renovation of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.
- Rewriting Buddhist texts: He ordered ancient Buddhist texts to be rewritten and preserved to prevent their destruction or disappearance.
Legacy
After King Vijayabahu III’s four-year reign, his eldest son, King Parakramabahu II, ascended to power in the Dambadeniya Kingdom in 1236 AD.
In Popular Culture
Palitha Silva portrayed Vijayabahu III in the 2025 film ‘Siri Parakum’, directed by Somaratne Dissanayake.