The religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and Siam (Thailand) as depicted in Jinakalamali

Abstract

The book Jinakalamali, the chronicle of Siam, contributes to the study of Sri Lankan history. This book gives many details about the religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and Siam in 13'" - 15'11 centuries. Ratanapachcha thero was the author of it. This book discloses. 1. Enshrining of the Relic in Seruvila Stupa. 2. Religious contribution of the kings in the Anuradhapura period (Devanampiyatissa to Mahasena) 3. A special Buddhist statue Seehalapatima which was brought from Sri Lanka to Siam and the homage it received from the leaders of Siam. 4. Contribution of Udumbara Mahasami of Sri Lanka and his followers to develop the Siam religious activities. Most of the information given in Jinakalamali could be proved through inscriptions in Siam. If not for the Mahavansa some information given in the jinakalamali could not have been correctly understood as they are given in such a shorten form. However the value of jinakalamali is that the book reveals the contribution of Sinhalese Buddhist monks to establish Buddhism in Siam.