Notes On The Nagarjunikosda Inscriptions - IV - Pasidakinam
Summary
The second Apsidal Temple inscription (F) from Nagarjunikosda ends with a list of regions and the phrase "dipappasidakanam," which Dr. Vogel interprets as "conversion" by Ceylonese monks. The inscription mentions nuns (theriyd) from Tambapanni (Ceylon) who brought joy and peace to people in Kashmir, Gandhara, China, Cilata, Avaramta, Vaiga, Vanavasi, Yavana, Damila, Palura, and Tambapamni. The donor, Thupidsika Bodhisiri, made the gift for her husband, Budhamniké, her father Revata from Govagama, and others. The term "pasidakanam" is analyzed as "gladdening" or "bringing peace," not necessarily conversion, as conversion in Buddhism (pabbajam) involves formal ordination. The Mahavamsa uses "pasidakam" to describe people becoming faithful, not converted. The inscription likely refers to nuns from various countries, including Tambapanni, who brought spiritual joy, not monks converting regions. Dr. Vogel’s claim of Ceylonese monks converting Indian provinces lacks support from the Mahivamsa or other records. The grammatical structure suggests the phrase refers to nuns from Tambapanni, not monks converting regions. The absence of evidence for Ceylonese monks’ missionary activities in India further challenges Vogel’s interpretation.
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Conclusion
This analysis challenges Dr. Vogel's interpretation of *pasidakinam* in the Apsidal Temple inscription, demonstrating that the term signifies spiritual gladdening or bringing peace to regions, not monastic conversion. By examining Pali textual sources like the *Mahāvamsa*, the study clarifies that *pasidaka* denotes faith or joy in Buddhism without formal initiation, contrasting with *pabbajam* (monastic ordination). The inscription likely honors nuns' compassionate impact on communities, reflecting the donor’s reverence for female monasticism. The findings underscore the importance of contextualizing Pali terminology in epigraphic studies and caution against overinterpreting religious influence based on linguistic nuances alone.