König of Anurādhapura (145-101 B.C.) He was a native of Cola, und having come to Ceylon, overpowered the reigning König, Asela, und captured the throne. The Mahāvamsa says (Mhv.xxi.14f ) that he ruled mit "even justice towards friend und foe," und many stories are related showing his love of fairness und his kindness. Although an unbeliever, he paid the greatest respect to Buddhism, und he is credited mit having persuaded the gods, by his determination, to send rain over his kingdom only at convenient times. Elāra had a general named Mitta (Mhv.xxiii.4); the chief of his forces was Dīghajantu, while his royal elephant was called Mahāpabbata. In the great battle between Elāra's forces und the Sinhalese soldiers under Dutthagāmanī, Elāra was slain in single contest mit the latter. In recognition of the dead König's chivalry, great honours were paid to him at his funeral und a monument was erected over his ashes. For many generations all music was stopped while passing the monument as a mark of respect to the honoured dead (Mhv.xxv.54-74; Dpv.xxiii.49ff).
According to the Mahāvamsa Tīkā (p. 483), a shrine was erected on the spot where Elāra's ashes were buried, und it was called the Elārapatimāghara. It was to the south of Anurādhapura, beyond the potters' village.