Sena I of Anuradhapura

Sena I was a Sinhala king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom in Sri Lanka from 833 to 853 A.D. or 846 to 866 A.D. He was the second son of King Dappula III and succeeded his elder brother Aggabodhi IX in 833 A.D. His reign was marked by succession disputes, the assassination of a rival claimant, a major Pandyan invasion of Sri Lanka, political instability in Rohana, and the reorganisation of royal succession. Later he was succeeded by his nephew Sena II.

Early life and accession

Sena I was born as the second son of King Dappula III. He had four brothers, Aggabodhi IX, Mahinda, Kassapa, and Udaya and a sister named Deva. Following the death of his elder brother King Aggabodhi IX, Sena I ascended the throne of Anuradhapura in 833 A.D.

After his accession, he appointed Samgha as his queen-consort and conferred the office of Yuvaraja (heir apparent) upon his brother Mahinda.

Built a monastery for the Pansikulaka Bhikkus in Aritta Mountain (Ritigala).

Built a prasada of several stories in Jethavanarama Monastery.

Rebuilt the prasada destroyed by fire in Mahaparivena in Jethavanarama Monastery.

Built Virankuraramaya in Abhayuttara Viharaya (Abhayagiri Viharaya).

Built Pubbaramaya.

Built Samghasena sanghawasa in Maha Viharaya (Sansen Pirivena in Pujavaliya). This is possibly the Sangsen-Aram mentioned in inscriptions.

Built Senaggabodhi monastery at Thusavapi Reservoir in Polonnaruwa.

Built a Danashalawa (eating hall) at Mahanettapabbata Viharaya.

Built Kappura Parivena while he was a Mahadipada.

Built Uttaralha Parivena while he was a Mahadipada.

His Queen Samga built a sanghawasa (dwelling house) called Mahindasena in Abhayagiri Viharaya.

Completed the Dappulapabbata Viharaya which was started by Dappula II.

Completed the Kassaparajaka Viharaya which was started by a prince named Kassapa.

Built Minimevulepana in Girigala.

Built Minipa Pirivena in Dena Vehera.

His senapati called Bhadda built Bhaddasenapati Viharaya.

Death and succession

Sena I died in 853 A.D. Following his death, the Yuvaraja Sena ascended the throne as King Sena II.