Mihintale is a picturesque mountain peak found in the vicinity of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The site holds a significant place in Sri Lanka’s history as it served as the meeting place for the Sri Lankan King, Devanampiyatissa and the Buddhist monk Mahinda. This meeting is thought to have led to the introduction and spread of Buddhism in a Sri Lanka, who up until now had primarily been a pagan society. Mihintale is now venerated among Sri Lankans and is considered to be a sacred site among Buddhist pilgrims. For travellers and tourists, it’s a great site to visit both for the spectacular views it provides as well as the long, storied history behind the mountain peak.
The story of Mihintale and the fateful meeting which occurred there are recorded in the Dipavansa and Mahavansa – two ancient texts that detail the history of Sri Lanka. These texts mention that the venerable Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka on Poson Poya Day. Mahinda was the son of Emperor Asoka, who ruled most of India during this time. Asoka himself had recently converted to Buddhism following a series of long and arduous wars that had left him in questioning his faith. The Sri Lankan King at the time was Devanampiyatissa and he was friends with Asoka – it’s stated that these two frequently wrote to each other. After the meeting with Mahinda Thero, the King would convert to Buddhism and thus so would the rest of the nation over time. “Mihindu” was the Sinhalese way of pronouncing the name “Mahinda”, as such the site of the encounter was called ‘Mihintale”, which translates to “plateau of Mihindu”.
While the mountain peak is the main site most visitors flock here to see, there are plenty of other amazing things to see and experience here. These include the ruins of an ancient hospital and medical bath that’s found at the foot of the mountain. You’ll also found a circular stupa here – called the Kantaka Chaitya – it stands at around 425 feet tall. You’ll also be able to explore the Cave of the Arahat Mahinda, the location at which the Mahinda Thero had stayed with his retinue before meeting the king.
