Sanghamitta was the eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka and his first wife, Devi.
14 Facts About Sanghamitta
2.
Sanghamitta was sent to Sri Lanka together with several other nuns to start the nun-lineage of Bhikkhunis at the request of King Tissa to ordain queen Anula and other women of Tissa's court at Anuradhapura who desired to be ordained as nuns after Mahindra converted them to Buddhism.
3.
Sanghamitta therefore advised the King to write to Emperor Ashoka and seek the services of his younger sister Theri Sangamitta, who was "profoundly learned", to be deputed to Sri Lanka for the purpose.
4.
Sanghamitta desired that a sapling of the right branch of the Bodhi Tree from Bodh Gaya should be brought by her to Sri Lanka.
5.
Sanghamitta's mother did not join Ashoka when he was crowned and her two children had embraced Buddhism.
6.
Sanghamitta was married at the age of 14 to Agribrahma, a nephew of Emperor Ashoka, who was an Arhant.
7.
Sanghamitta had a son, Saamanera Sumana who later became an Arhant and went along with his uncle Mahindra to Sri Lanka to preach Buddhism.
8.
Sanghamitta was ordained at the age of 18 into Theravada Buddhism Order by their preceptor Dhammapala.
9.
Sanghamitta travelled to Sri Lanka by sea carrying a sapling of Bodhi-Tree in a golden vase.
10.
Sanghamitta was 32 years of age when she took this journey.
11.
Sanghamitta pursued every effort to enhance the status of woman, with sustained devotion, dedication and diligence.
12.
Sanghamitta was cremated to the east of the Thuparama near the Cittasala, in front of the Bodhi-Tree.
13.
Sanghamitta is credited with re-establishing the Order of Monks in Sri Lanka in 1753 AD.
14.
Sanghamitta's image is flanked by images of 13 Arahat Theris.