Vishala

Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)

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Vishala (विशाल) was name ofa city mentioned in Mahavansha as capital of Mandadvipa, the ancient name of Sri Lanka. It was located in the west of Mahameghavana.

Variants

• Vishala विशाल, लंका (AS, p.863)
• Visãla

In Mahabharata

Vishala (विशाला) (River/Tirtha) in Mahabharata (II.82.100), (IX.37.4), (IX.37.20), (XIII.26.41), (XIII.26.44),

Anusasana Parva/Book XIII Chapter 26 mentions the sacred waters on the earth. Vishala (विशाला) is mentioned in Mahabharata (XIII.26.41). .....Bathing in Kalashya, one acquires a large quantity of water (for use in the next world). A man, by bathing in the city of Agni (Agnipura), acquires such merit as entitles him to live during his next birth in the city of Agni's daughter. Bathing in Vishala in Karavirapura and offering oblations of water unto one's Pitris, and performing one's ablutions in Devahrada too, one becomes identified with Brahma and shines in glory as such.

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Anusasana Parva/Book XIII Chapter 26 mentions the sacred waters on the earth. Vishala (विशाला) (Tirtha) is mentioned in Mahabharata (XIII.26.44). Bathing in Ramahrada and offering oblations of water to the Pitris in the river Vishala, and observing a fast for twelve days, one becomes cleansed of all sins.

In Mahavansha

Mahavansa/Chapter 15 mentions.... Mandadipa - during king Jayanta's reign this isle bore then the name of Mandadipa (Ch.15).... `Third in our age of the world was the Conqueror of the Kassapa clan, the all-knowing Teacher, compassionate toward the whole world. `The Mahamegha-grove was called (at that time) Mahasagara; the capital, named Visãla, lay toward the West. Jayanta was the name of the king of that region then, and this isle bore then the name of Mandadipa.... `At that time a hideous and life-destroying war had broken out between king Jayanta and his younger royal brother.

विशाल (लंका)

विशाल (लंका) (AS, p.863) : महावंश 15,126 में वर्णित है. इसको मंडद्वीप या लंका की प्राचीन राजधानी कहा है. यह नगर महामेघवन से पश्चिम की ओर स्थित था.