Mahakuli (who reigned as Mahakuli Mahatissa) inherited Valagambahu's throne in 76 BC. Coranaga on the other hand "lived as a rebel"; whether this constituted a struggle for the throne is unknown. If it were, then Coranaga's succession to the throne in 62 BC may well have represented an overthrow of Mahakuli Mahatissa. The "Mahavamsa" does mention that one of Coranaga's first acts was to destroy 18 temples that had refused him shelter during his time as an outlaw. Coranaga is recorded as having reigned for 12 years, before being poisoned by his consort, "the infamous Anula".