MIHINTALE PEAK

Mihintale, "Mahinda's Mountain", is a sacred mountain. It was here, in 247 BC, that King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura came across Mahinda, son of the Indian emperor Asoka, and converted to Buddhism. He thus allowed the religion to establish itself on the island. A sacred city was founded here, of which some beautiful ruins remain. You have to walk around them and climb 1,840 steps to reach the third level, and a few more to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Pilgrims make this ascent at the time of the Poson full moon, in May or June. The visit takes between an hour and a half and two hours. The order shown below is that of the most common progression.

At the foot of the hill

The hospital. Mihintale was for many years an important health center. The ruins of what was once a hospital can still be seen at the foot of the mountain, with stone sarcophagi in which patients lay and were cared for.

Staircase. For those frightened by the announced 1,840 steps, Old Road, accessible to both pedestrians and cars, allows you to avoid them by emerging at the second landing.

First landing

Kanta Chetya. This 12-metre-high dagoba dates back to the ^2nd or ^1st century BC. A little further on, an engraved inscription is believed to be the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Second level

Refectory. Measures approximately 20 m by 8 m. Two nearby hollow stones were probably used to store food.

Relics room. This room contains the two steles on which are engraved the rules governing the life of the monks.

Meeting room. This is a square stone building, about 20 m square, where the monks used to meet.

Sinha Pokuna. A small basin decorated with friezes, overlooked by a stone lion almost 2 m tall.

Third level

Ambasthale Dagoba. This is said to have been built where Mahinda stood when he converted the king. A statue of the king stands here, facing a superb white seated Buddha.

Selta Chetiya. A Buddha footprint highlighted by a balustrade and prayer flags.

Mahaseya Dagoba. Believed to contain the relics of Mahinda. A Bo tree stands a few metres away.

Mahinda Cave. This is the rock shelter where Mahinda used to rest. A large, flat stone could have served as a bed.