Literature and education is not something distinctive
for professional artists or writers. In this regard, the well-read, king Parakramabahu II of Dambadeniya is the best affirmation,
who was bestowed the honorary title of "Kalikala
Sahitya Sarvagna Pandita". Inevitably, the term ‘panditha’ implies
that king Parakramabahu was well learned
while the term ‘sahithya’ bring in to light his inclination to literature. He succeeded his father Vijayabahu III to Dambadeniya
kingdom and was succeeded by his son Vijayabahu
IV. The reign of Parakramabahu II lasted
from 1234-1269AD. He is a king who was noted both to his determination to fight
the Magha invaders who had captured Polonnaruwa and to his devotion to
carryon processions in honor of the
Sarvagna Dathu. As the Mahavamsa
mentions, accompanied by great processions, the Buddha relics were brought to Jambudroni. The king’s high concern and
respect for the Buddha relics, prompted him to build a mansion near his palace
to house the relics so that he can worship them whenever needed. Once the king
arranged a splendor procession and he placed the tooth relic in his hand and in
the presence of the Sangha, performed a passive resistance. His yearning was to
defeat the Tamil invader Magha who
was occupied in destroying Buddha Sasana and after having overthrown the enemy,
to nourish the Loka Sasana. Therefore, his priority was given to the protection
of Buddha sasana which was followed by his resolution to put an end to the Magha rule.
