Sri Lanka's first Buddhist nun Anula Devi

AS you arrive on the gravel road at the excavation site of Anula Cetiya (Stupa), located at Mihintale in Sri Lanka, you are welcomed by this majestic statue of Sri Lanka's first Buddhist nun, set on solid rock, and surrounded by a green and resplendent environment.

- BY DON DE SILVA

On 25 December 2021, the Department of Archaeology in Sri Lanka launched activities to restore the site dedicated to Anula Devi Maha Theri, the first Sri Lankan woman, who was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 3rd Century BCE.

Support for the restoration has also been provided through the initiative of Vice Chancellor of the Nagananda Buddhist University and the Chief Sanghanayake of Taiwan, Venerable Chandima Bodagama Thero.

The excavation team at the site is led by the indefatigable, A.A. Vijayarathne from Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology.

According to the statement by the temple at Mihintale - the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya - the landmark event was attended by many Dhamma leaders, representing many traditions, and dignitaries from Sri Lanka and other countries.

The final excavation phase is now underway. Anula Devi was the sister-in-law of King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka (Reign 247 - 207 BCE).

Anula Devi and her entourage attended discourses on the teachings of the Buddha, given by Mahinda Thera, son of Emperor Asoka, held at the palace. According to Sri Lanka's ancient historical chronicle, the Mahavamsa, they requested -- more or less demanded to the King - to be ordained.

But, Mahinda Thera was unable to grant their request. According to the Mahavamsa, Mahinda Thera explained his predicament as follows to the King Devanampiyatissa: "It is not allowed to us (monks), O great king, to bestow ordination on women."

"But in (India) there lives a bhikkhuni, my younger sister, known by the name of Sanghamitta. She, who is ripe in experience, shall come hither ... and also bhikkhunis renowned. .. this theri (Sanghamitta) will confer the ordination upon these women."