Mihintale
About This Place
Mihintale
A sacred mountain near Anuradhapura, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is here that the monk Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, met King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, introducing Buddhism to the island. The site includes 1,843 stone steps leading to the summit, the Ambasthale Dagoba (marking the exact spot of the historic meeting), the Aradhana Gala (meditation rock with views across the plains), Indikatu Seya stupa, and a large ancient hospital complex.
Difficulty
🧭 moderate
Best Time
📅 Year-round; Poson Poya (June) is the most sacred festival day.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Steps from the base village; 1,843 stone steps to summit; handrails in places; can be combined with Anuradhapura visit (13 km away).
📖 Legends & Stories
The meeting between Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa is one of the most pivotal moments in Sri Lankan history. The king had gone deer hunting when a deer transformed into Mahinda before his eyes, revealing the monk. Mahinda tested the king's wisdom with a riddle about a mango tree and accepted him as a worthy student. The king renounced hunting and eventually renounced war to embrace Buddhism.
Location
📍 Find It Here
8.350000, 80.516700
Community
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