Sanghamittas

Sanghamittas were the two Buddhist monks from India who traveled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. According to the historical accounts, the monks were sent by Emperor Ashoka, the Indian emperor who converted to Buddhism during his reign. Their primary mission was to propagate Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The name "Sanghamitta" is of Pali origin, which translates to "Daughter of the Congregation" or "Daughter of the Order." There was also a female member of the pair, who is not as well-documented in historical records as her male counterpart. However, it is mentioned that she was heavily involved in the establishment of the Buddhist Order in Sri Lanka, encountering no resistance at all for introducing Digambara and Mahavihara nuns into the country.

It is reported that the two brothers were welcomed by King Devanampiya Tissa, who was also a Buddhist convert. The king gave them a designated place for meditation, a place called Mahamegha, under a giant sanna tree, known as very effective for nirvana. Over a four-month period, the siblings performed austerities by vacating food and living on scythes. Following this, they followed a fast whereby the scarificed elephant scythes were increased to four. Not one of them felt any rife.