Mihintale is another very sacred city for the Buddhists of Sir Lanka. Situated 8 miles ( 12 kilometers) from Anuradhapura, it is a forest clad mountain rising 1000 feet above sea level. It has gained its place in history as the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 307 BC, on a Poson (July) full moon day. It was brought over by Mahinda Thero, the son of the Great Indian emperor Asoka, who was sent here as a missionary by his father.
According to legend King Devanampiyatissa, the ruler of that time, was out hunting expedition. While pursuing a Deer he went to the mountain summit where he came upon Mahinda Thera. The Thero taught the teachings of the Lord Buddha and the king enlightened by this knowledge, converted along with his court to Buddhism. Afterwards Buddhism spread rapidly throughout the country with royal sponsorship.
Today thousand of people make an annual pilgrimage to Mihintale on poson full moon poya day, to pay homage to the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
To reach the summit one has to climb 1840 Granite slabs arranged in four flights. To mark the place where the famous meeting took place, stands the Ambagastala Dagaba, where enshrined within it lies the relics of Mahinda Thero. Another pathway away from the Dagaba leads to a rock wall with a natural cavern. It is believed that this place sheltered Mahinda Thero during his stay at Mihintale. There are still many ruins to be found of the monastery built during this time. Another set of steps will lead to the place on top of the hill and at this site stands the Kantaka Chayitiya, which rises 40 feet and has a circumference of 425 feet at its base. On the summit of the hill there is the Maha Seya Dagaba, which enshrines hair relics of the Lord Buddha.
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