The Ten Giants of Dutugamunu
Legendary Warriors Who United Ancient Sri Lanka
These ten warriors - the Dasa Maha Yodhayo (දස මහා යෝධයෝ) - came from different parts of the southern kingdom. Some say Gothaimbara was from Kadol area. They weren't just soldiers - they were King Dutugamunu's trusted friends who stood by him from the beginning.
The Mahavamsa tells us these men fought in major battles during the campaign to reunite Sri Lanka. The Battle of Vijithapura (Vijitha Pura Satana) was one of the fiercest encounters where the Ten Giants proved their worth. After years of fighting, they helped Dutugamunu defeat King Elara and bring the island under one rule again.
What makes their story special is the friendship between these men from different backgrounds. They each had different skills - one was strong, another was fast, one knew strategy. Together they were unstoppable. Even now, Sri Lankan children learn their names in school and hear stories about their bravery.
Historical Context
Back then, Sri Lanka was split in two. King Elara ruled the north from Anuradhapura. The Sinhalese kings controlled the south from Mahagama (today's Tissamaharama). Elara was actually a fair king, but young Dutugamunu wanted to reunite the whole island.
His father King Kavantissa had started this mission but given up. Dutugamunu wouldn't quit. He gathered an army and started marching north, fighting battle after battle to reach Anuradhapura.
Dutugamunu gathered warriors from villages across the south - from Kajaragama, Mahiyangana, Kadol, and other areas. These men became the famous Ten Giants. Each one was special in his own way - some were incredibly strong, others were clever strategists or super fast.
The Battle of Vijithapura was one of their toughest fights. But working together, the Ten Giants helped clear the way to Anuradhapura. Finally, Dutugamunu and Elara fought one-on-one, and Dutugamunu won. Sri Lanka was united again, and a great era of building stupas and monasteries began.
Meet the Ten Giants
Each warrior brought extraordinary abilities and unwavering loyalty to King Dutugamunu's cause
Nandhimitra
නන්දිමිත්ර
Nandhimitra was the leader of the Ten Giants. He planned the battles and told the other warriors where to go. At Vijitha Pura Satana (විජිත පුර සටන), his strategies helped win the day. The king trusted him completely with military decisions, and he never let Dutugamunu down.
Famous For:
- •Chief among the ten warriors
- •Planned the Vijithapura campaign
- •The king's main military advisor
- •Won many battles through smart tactics
Suranimala
සූරනිමල
Suranimala was renowned for his incredible speed and agility in battle. He could move so swiftly that enemies claimed he appeared in multiple places simultaneously. His speed made him an invaluable scout and messenger during military campaigns.
Famous For:
- •Extraordinary speed in battle
- •Quick strike tactics
- •Swift intelligence gathering
- •Rapid battlefield communication
Mahasona
මහසෝන
Mahasona possessed enormous physical strength and was said to be able to uproot trees and hurl massive boulders at enemy fortifications. His strength was so legendary that his name became synonymous with supernatural power in Sri Lankan folklore.
Famous For:
- •Incredible physical strength
- •Breaking through enemy fortifications
- •Moving heavy siege equipment
- •Inspiring fear in opponents
Velusumana
වැලුසුමන
Velusumana was a master of disguise and espionage. He could infiltrate enemy camps undetected and gather crucial intelligence. His skills in deception and information gathering were vital to Dutugamunu's military success.
Famous For:
- •Espionage and intelligence gathering
- •Master of disguise
- •Infiltrating enemy positions
- •Sabotage operations
Vasabha
වාසභ
Vasabha earned his name (meaning 'bull') from his unwavering courage and charging power in battle. Like a bull, he would charge fearlessly into enemy lines, breaking their formations and creating opportunities for his fellow warriors.
Famous For:
- •Fearless charging attacks
- •Breaking enemy formations
- •Hand-to-hand combat excellence
- •Inspiring troops with bravery
Khanjadeva
ඛඤ්ජදේව
Khanjadeva was a master of every weapon known in ancient Sri Lanka. From swords and spears to bows and maces, he could wield them all with equal skill. He served as the weapons trainer for Dutugamunu's army.
Famous For:
- •Expertise in all weapons
- •Training the royal army
- •Weapon innovation
- •Combat versatility
Phussadeva
ඵුස්සදේව
Phussadeva specialized in battle formations and tactical maneuvers. He devised innovative fighting formations that maximized the effectiveness of Dutugamunu's forces and minimized casualties during engagements.
Famous For:
- •Innovative battle formations
- •Tactical planning
- •Minimizing casualties
- •Adapting strategies in real-time
Labhiya Vasabha
ලභිය වාසභ
Labhiya Vasabha combined the power of Vasabha with remarkable speed, making him a formidable opponent. He could deliver devastating attacks while maintaining agility, making him unpredictable in battle.
Famous For:
- •Combining speed with strength
- •Unpredictable combat style
- •Devastating hit-and-run tactics
- •Elite shock trooper
Gothaimbara
ගෝතඉඹර
Gothaimbara never left the king's side in battle. Some sources mention he came from the Kadol (කඩොල්) region. His job was simple - keep Dutugamunu alive. And he did, through countless battles including the fierce fight at Vijithapura. He knew how to defend fortresses and was an expert in protecting key positions during sieges.
Famous For:
- •King's personal bodyguard
- •Fought at Vijithapura battle
- •Possibly from Kadol region
- •Never left the king's side
Theraputtabhaya
තෙරපුත්තාභය
Theraputtabhaya was the master of elephant warfare, commanding and training the war elephants that formed a crucial part of Dutugamunu's military might. He understood elephant behavior and tactics better than anyone in the kingdom.
Famous For:
- •Commander of war elephants
- •Elephant training and tactics
- •Cavalry coordination
- •Siege warfare specialist
You can't tell the story of the Ten Giants without mentioning Kadol Atha (කඩොල් ඇතා). This wasn't just any elephant - this was King Dutugamunu's royal war elephant, his most trusted companion in battle. Some say the elephant came from the Kadol region, which might explain the name.
Kadol Atha had a special bond with Nandhimitra, the chief of the Ten Giants. Nandhimitra often rode this elephant into battle, commanding troops from up high where everyone could see him. The elephant knew him well and would respond to his signals during fights. When Nandhimitra pointed his sword, Kadol Atha charged. When he pulled the reins, the elephant stopped. They worked together like they could read each other's minds.
But Kadol Atha's main job was carrying King Dutugamunu himself. In the final battle against King Elara, Dutugamunu rode Kadol Atha. The two kings faced each other on elephants, and when they charged, Kadol Atha didn't back down. The chronicles say this brave elephant helped the king win that historic duel.
After the wars ended, Kadol Atha lived peacefully with the king. When the great stupas were being built, this elephant helped carry materials. Even in peace, Kadol Atha served his king. The bond between Dutugamunu and his elephant became legendary - people still tell stories about how the king loved this animal like a friend, not just a war beast.
Did you know? War elephants were essential in ancient Sri Lankan battles. They could break through enemy lines, carry commanders, and even had armor to protect them. Kadol Atha was considered the finest war elephant of that era.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Vijithapura was a fortified city on Dutugamunu's path to Anuradhapura. The battle here was tough - the enemy had strong walls and plenty of soldiers. This is where each of the Ten Giants showed what they could really do.
Gothaimbara, the warrior from Kadol, stayed right next to the king through the whole fight. While arrows were flying everywhere, his only job was keeping Dutugamunu safe - and nobody got past him. Nandhimitra planned the attack, figuring out where to hit the walls and when to charge.
Mahasona used his incredible strength to break through the gates. People say he literally pushed the doors down. Suranimala was everywhere at once - running messages between units so fast the enemy thought there were multiple armies. Velusumana had already snuck into the city days before, learning their weak spots and where guards were stationed.
When the walls came down, Vasabha led the charge into the city like a bull. Khanjadeva fought with every weapon he had - sword, spear, bow - switching between them as needed. Phussadeva kept the troops in formation so they didn't get scattered. Labhiya Vasabha hit hard and moved fast, confusing the defenders. And Theraputtabhaya commanded the war elephants that smashed through the last defenses.
After Vijithapura fell, people knew these ten warriors were special. They weren't just strong - they worked together like fingers on a hand. The road to Anuradhapura was open.
Key Historical Locations:
- Anuradhapura: The ancient capital where Dutugamunu ruled and built magnificent monuments
- Tissamaharama: Site of ancient Mahagama, where Dutugamunu began his campaign
- Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: Built by Dutugamunu as one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist monuments
- Mirisawetiya Stupa: Another magnificent construction by Dutugamunu
What to Explore:
- Ancient palace ruins and royal gardens
- Massive stupas and Buddhist monasteries
- Archaeological museums with artifacts from this period
- Sacred sites mentioned in the Mahavamsa chronicle
Related Articles
Discover Ancient Sri Lankan History
Walk through the ancient cities where these legendary warriors once stood. Experience the magnificent monuments and sacred sites from this golden age of Sri Lankan civilization.