During the time Tamalinda studied at the famous Mahavihara Monastery in Sri Lanka (1180–1190), a new dynamic type of Theravada Buddhism was being preached as the "true faith" in Sri Lanka.
The traditional Theravadin account provided by the Mahavamsa stands in contrast to the writings of the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian (Ch. 法顯), who journeyed to India and Sri Lanka in the early 5th century (between 399 and 414 CE).
The accession of King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD saw the suppression of the Mahavihara monks.
King Mahasena (273-301 AD) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara, his son Meghavanna resume the construction work of the stupa.
The monks dwelling at the premises moved to Malaya and Ruhuna, this followed by the pillaging of Mahavihara by Snaghamitta and minister Sona, all valuable were transferred to Abhayagiri vihara.
•
Following king Jettha Tissa's death his brother Mahasena was consecrated as king by monk Sanghamitta, under the monk's influence king Mahasena brought about a campaign against orthodox Theravadins dwelling in Mahavihara.
•
King Mahasena (273–301 AD) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara.
•
The sectarian differences between the Buddhist monks also are represented by the stupa as it was built on the premises of the destroyed Mahavihara, which led to a rebellion by a minister of king Mahasena.
The Padmasambhava Mahavihara monastery, located at Chandragiri, Gajapati district, in the state of Orissa, India, is the largest Buddhist monastery in South Asia.