Aggabodhi VII of Anuradhapura

Aggabodhi VII
King of Anuradhapura
Reign	781 - 787
Predecessor	Aggabodhi VI
Successor	Mahinda II
Dynasty	House of Lambakanna II

Aggabodhi VII was King of Anuradhapura in the 8th century, whose reign lasted from 781 to 787. He succeeded his cousin Aggabodhi VI as King of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by Mahinda II.His father was King Mahinda I

Aggabodhi was appointed ad the Adipada of Ruhuna by his Father. His Cousin Aggabodhi (Son of King Kassapa III) was the sub King (yuva raja) and was administering the east of the country. At his father, Mahinda I's death Prince Aggabodhi was in the Capital. The administration of the kingdom fell to his hands. However, he invited the Sub King Aggabodhi and crowned him as KIng Silamegha (Aggabodhi VI). Prince Aggabodhi himself was appointed the sub king and looked after the administration of the whole country.

Those who were not favoured by the sub king poisoned the King Silamegha (Aggabodhi VI) against him. Sub King Aggabodhi, escaped to Ruhuna and collected a huge army. He waged acivil war and met a crushing defeat at a place called Kadalinivatha. He hid himself in Malaya rata (hill country).

Before long, King Silamegha (Aggabodhi VI), found the wrong he has done and went alone to Malaya rata, met with Prince Aggabodhi and effected a peace between them. He was invited back to the capital and King's daughter Sangha was given in marriage. He apparently did not have a successful marriage. Sangha had forsaken her husband and entered a convent. From there she ran away with a cousin (Dappula) of hers. The sub king Aggabodhi waged war against Dappula with the help of the King and recovered his Wife. They reconciled their differences and lived a contented life.

He ascended the throne as King Aggabodhi VII on the death of King Silamegha(Aggabodhi VI). He was well advanced in years when he ascended the throne. He devoted the six years of his reign for furthering Buddhism. He repaired and strengthened the image house at the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. He also built two viharas - Kollanda and Molla Vaataka. He cleansed the order of bhikkus by issuing decrees. He also prescribed the manner of holding festivities and funerals. He further issued ticket rice (Salaka dana) to the tree chapters of sangha Maha Vihara, Abhayagiri and Jethavana - Theriya, Dhammaruchi and Sagali sects.

He died in his sxth year of Reign and was succeeded by his nephew, Mahinda II (Son of Silamegha (Aggabodhi VI)

See also

• List of Sri Lankan monarchs
• History of Sri Lanka

External links

• Kings & Rulers of Sri Lanka
• Codrington's Short History of Ceylon

Aggabodhi VII of Anuradhapura House of Lambakanna II Born: ? ? Died: 787
Regnal titles
Preceded by Aggabodhi VI	King of Anuradhapura 781–787	Succeeded by Mahinda II