King of Anurádhapura (145-101 B.C.) He was a native of Cola, and having come to Ceylon, overpowered the reigning king, Asela, and captured the throne. The Mahávamsa says (Mhv.xxi.14f ) that he ruled with "even justice towards friend and foe," and many stories are related showing his love of fairness and his kindness. Although an unbeliever, he paid the greatest respect to Buddhism, and he is credited with having persuaded the gods, by his determination, to send rain over his kingdom only at convenient times. Elára had a general named Mitta (Mhv.xxiii.4); the chief of his forces was Díghajantu, while his royal elephant was called Mahápabbata. In the great battle between Elára's forces and the Sinhalese soldiers under Dutthagámaní, Elára was slain in single contest with the latter. In recognition of the dead king's chivalry, great honours were paid to him at his funeral and 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 Mahávamsa Tíká (p. 483), a shrine was erected on the spot where Elára's ashes were buried, and it was called the Elárapatimághara. It was to the south of Anurádhapura, beyond the potters' village.