Gajabahu I
| Gajabahu I ගජබාහු I | |
|---|---|
| Maharaja A B | |
| King of Anuradhapura | |
| Reign | c. 113 – c. 135 |
| Predecessor | Vankanasika Tissa |
| Successor | Mahallaka Naga |
| Dynasty | Lambakanna dynasty |
| Religion | Theravāda Buddhism |
Gajabahu I (Sinhala: ගජබාහු, lit. 'Arm of an elephant', [ˈgadʒəba:ɦu]), also known as Gajabahuka Gamani (c. 113 – 135 CE), was a Sinhalese king of Rajarata in Sri Lanka. He is renowned for his military prowess, religious benefactions, extensive involvement in South Indian politics, and for possibly introducing the cult of the goddess Pattini to Sri Lanka. The primary source for his reign is the Mahavamsa, though he is also the only early Sri Lankan king (along with Elara) to be extensively mentioned in the Chera Cilappatikaram (also spelled Silapathikaram).