A nunnery built by Devánampiyatissa for the use of Sanghamittá. It was called Hatthálhaka because it was built near the spot where the king's state elephant was fettered. Sanghamittá's following came to be called Hatthalhaká from living in the vihára.
Later, they occupied also all the twelve buildings attached to the Upásiká-vihára, even when other sects arose (Mhv.xix.71, 83; xx.21f, 49). The vihára was originally within the city wall of Anurádhapura; but later, when Kutikanna-Tissa and Vasabha raised the boundary wall, part of the vihára grounds lay outside. The original boundary included the Kadambanadí. MT. 611.