Mahanayaka


Mahanayaka Theras are high-ranking Buddhist monks who oversee and regulate the Buddhist clergy in Theravada Buddhist countries. The title Maha Nayaka translates to English as 'Great Leader' and it is considered to be a very important position held by a monk in a Theravada Buddhist country. It is usually bestowed upon the senior Buddhist monks who are appointed the Chief Prelates of monastic fraternities known as Nikayas.

Sri Lankan tradition

In Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, the title Mahanayaka is held by the heads of the chapters of all three main sects, Siam Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya and Ramanna Nikaya. Appointment of senior Buddhist monks to the Mahanayaka position in Sri Lanka began with the re-establishment of Upasampada higher ordination in 1753 on the initiatives taken by Sangharaja Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thera during the reign of King of Kandy Kirti Sri Rajasinha.
The deputies of Mahanayaka Theras are known as Anunayaka Theras, who generally succeed to the Mahanayaka position, after a death of an incumbent monk. Next in the hierarchy are Chief Sanghanayaka Theras, who have the jurisdiction over monks in a region, province or a district, while the Nayaka Theras have the precedence in a temple or a group of connected temples. Prominent Mahanayake Theras who are presently in office and their immediate predecessors are listed below.

Present Mahanayaka Theras

Some of the former Mahanayke Theras who have died in recent years are listed below.
The Mahanayaka Theras of the Malwatta Chapter and Asgiriya Chapter were traditionally referred by the Sri Lankan Government as the head of the Buddhist clergy in the country. As such certain state privileges have been extended since Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. These include state provisions for official residences, official vehicles and state funerals. With the formation of Supreme Mahanayaka post of Amarapura Nikaya in 1969, state patronage has been extended to the Mahanayaka Theras of Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas as well.