Tāmalitti (Tāmalitthi)

The port from which the branch of the Bodhi-tree was sent to Ceylon by Asoka (Mhv.xi.38; Dpv.iii.33). It is said (Sp.i.90f) that Asoka came from Pātaliputta, crossed the Ganges by boat, traversed the Vinijhātavi, and so arrived at Tāmalitti.

It is identified with modern Tamluk, formerly on the estuary of the Ganges, but now on the western bank of the Rūpnārāyana.

When Fa Hsien came to Ceylon, he embarked at Tāmluk. Giles: op. cit. p.65.

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from