Mihintale, an ancient mountain peak located near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, is a key site in the country’s Buddhist history and culture. Mihintale, known as Missaka Pabbata, is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.The significance of Mihintale comes from an important event in Buddhist history. Buddhist monk Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa here. This meeting, which happened on the full moon day of the Poson month (June), marked the beginning of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This event is very sacred for Buddhists, making Mihintale a beloved pilgrimage site.
Legend says that Mahinda, sent by his father Ashoka to spread Buddhism, encountered King Devanampiyatissa while he was hunting. According to tradition, Mahinda’s call stopped the King’s hunt and led him to embrace Buddhism. This significant event is remembered at Mihintale, which means “plateau of Mihindu” in Sinhala, highlighting its historical and spiritual importance.
The journey to Mihintale is both a spiritual and physical experience. Visitors climb ancient stone steps to reach a plateau filled with important religious monuments and ruins. The site includes a complex of viharas (monastic buildings) and 68 caves, which were once used by monks for meditation and living.
© Yashi EL | unsplash.com/@yashiel
One of the main attractions at Mihintale is the Kantaka Chetiya Stupa, an impressive monument representing the site’s spiritual history. Visitors can also explore the Atvehera Kanda and Sela Chetiya, where ancient inscriptions provide insights into the rich history of this sacred place.
While exploring, you will see over 100 Brahmi inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE to the 10th century CE, offering valuable information about early Buddhist life and the Anuradhapura kingdom.
Mihintale is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It is best to visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather. There is a small fee for entry, which helps maintain the site.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route No. 4 (Colombo – Anuradhapura) or bus route No. 87 (Colombo – Vavuniya) from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, and get off at the New Bus Stand in Anuradhapura. Buses frequently depart from the New Anuradhapura Bus Stand throughout the day. The fare is approximately 50 rupees, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Mihintale is located 14 kilometers east of Anuradhapura, on the road to Trincomalee.
