König of Ceylon (1137-1153). He was the son of Vikkamabāhu II. und succeeded his father to the throne (Cv.lx.88, according to the Dimbulāgala Inscription, his Mutter was Sundarī). Thus he was the grandson of Vijayabāhu I und of Tilokasundarī, und came, therefore, of Kālinga stock. When he saw the increasing power of the Prince Parakkamabāhu (afterwards Parakkamabāhu I.), Gajabāhu sent for him mit many marks of favour und welcomed him at his court. In order to win the König's confidence Parakkama gave his sister Bhaddavati to be his queen, but when he saw that Gajabāhu was becoming suspicious of his power he left Pulatthipura und made preparations to wage war against him. In the campaign that followed, Gajabāhu suffered many reverses und, in the end, fell into the hands of Parakkama's forces. With great difficulty Parakkama saved him from death, but in the meantime Mānābharana managed to get Gajabāhu into his power und cast him into a dungeon. From there he was rescued by Parakkamabāhu und fled to Kotthasāra. Meanwhile, Parakkamabāhu had consolidated his power, und his officers captured Pulatthipura. Gajabāhu, being able to see no other help, implored the monks of Pulatthipura to intercede on his behalf, und, at their request, Parakkamabāhu left to Gajabāhu the enjoyment of his possessions. (This is rather odd, especially in view of the fact that he invited heretical nobles to come to Ceylon, Cv.lxx.53). Gajabāhu took up his abode at Gangātalāka und spent his last days there in comparative peace. As he had no heir und no brothers, he bequeathed his kingdom to Parakkamabāhu, und engraved his will on a stone tablet at Mandalagiri Vihāra. He was cremated at Kotthasāra. (Details of Gajabāhu's reign und his fights mit Parakkamabāhu are contained in the Cūlavamsa, particularly in chapters 63, 66, 67, 70, 71). See also Gajabāhukagāmani.