Thammanna Nuwara
Upatissa Nuwara
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Chola
Ruhuna
Polonnaruwa
Dambadeniya
Yapahuwa
Kurunegala
Gampola
Kotte
Sitawaka
Kandy
Portuguese
Dutch
British
Monarch of Ceylon
158
King Vijayabahu IV
Kingdom of Dambadeniya
1272 AC - 1274 AC

Around AD 1258, King Parakramabahu II fell seriously ill. As a result, the administration of the kingdom was entrusted to the minister Devapatiraja, who assumed the role of regent.

Around AD 1262, the king’s eldest son, Prince Vijayabahu, began taking responsibility for the affairs of state. However, Parakramabahu remained the official monarch and continued to hold the throne.

Following the reign of King Parakramabahu II, Prince Vijayabahu ascended the throne in AD 1272 under the regnal name King Vijayabahu IV.

During the period when his father was still alive, Vijayabahu sought to demonstrate that he was a worthy and noble son of his father. Since the Temple of the Tooth Relic built by his father had deteriorated, he restored it and renovated it in a manner even more magnificent and splendid than before, ensuring that proper religious ceremonies and offerings were conducted there. Through these acts, he earned even greater affection and esteem from his father.

The king also took steps to rebuild Polonnaruwa, which had been devastated by the invasion of Kalinga Magha. Likewise, he worked to restore many ruined sites in Anuradhapura.

Following in the footsteps of his father, King Vijayabahu IV rendered significant services to society and to Buddhism. However, despite his achievements, he met a tragic end. Acting on the instigation of a commander named Mitra Sena, a servant assassinated the king.

Isura Wickramaarachchi, author of Mahavansa Pradeepikawa.

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