16 
JOURISTAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VoL. XXII. 
the city, the shrine contained a painted image of Kartikeya, 
adorned with jewels.^ The Mahasen Maha Paya was hung 
with banners borne on gilt handles bearing the god's device, 
the emblem of a cock (sevulu), and was probably sheathed with 
copper. 2 The most important edifice built by the king was 
the Dalada Mahgava, " the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.'* 
It was a three-storied structure^ in the form of a Crown,* 
constructed of stone with finely carved granite pillars, sur- 
mounted by a pinnacle of soUd gold. The building would 
appear to have been supported by four detached chapels or 
shrines in stones at its four angles, dedicated to the four Hindu 
gods Nata, Sam an, Vishnu, and Siva. Hindu influence was 
very strong at the period, chiefly due to the ascendency of the 
Alakesvaras in the Councils of State and the numbers of 
Brahmins who crowded to court from the neighbouring pen- 
insula. Moreover, the king himself seems to have favoured 
Hinduism. He possessed a wide knowledge of Sanskrit, and 
was probably influenced by the Hindu sacred works he had 
read, by the Brahmins by whom he was surrounded, and by 
the teachings of the Royal Tutor Sri Rahula, who was deeply 
skilled in aU the lore of the Hindus, and would appear to have 
entertained hberal notions on the question of rehgion. This 
epoch saw in a marked degree the compromise between 
Hinduism and Buddhism which had existed in Ceylon from the 
earliest times. This toleration sprang from two causes : the 
spirit of the adaptability of Hinduism to changed conditions 
and alien ideals on the one hand, and on the other to the 
GD 2sf ®ss<5 dishes© ®®®e>£s5 ^S^<^©<5q^g 
% iSt esao®ffi38M ®<5^© ®«)®e^ @ 
"With a joyous mind bow dovm and offer the tribute of your heart 
to the god-king Mahasen, refulgent in the blaze of glory, acquired what 
time he seized the spear against the Titan-king Padma Asura and 
piercing him transpired (Mount) Meru. "—Param Sandesa, v. 42, 
2 Selalihini Sandesa, v. 25; Kovul SandSsa, Col. Museum MS. E 6 
and G., p. 37 (reverse of page). 
3 Selalihini Sandesa, v. 16; Mahdva'^sa, ch. 91, v. 17, 
* Paravi Sandesa, v. 39. 
