Mihintale

Snapshot

One of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites, Mihintale lays 13kms east of Anuradhapura and is where Buddhism originated on the island. In 247 BC King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, was deer hunting on the plains beneath Mihintale, and met Mahinda, son of the Indian Buddhist emperor, and chose the path of Buddhism for the Sinhalese nation following Mahinda’s persuasion. Anuradhapura and Mihintale’s ancient, spiritual ruins can leave you in awe. It can be an inspiring visit at all times of the year, especially on the full moon day of May when Vesak is celebrated in remembrance of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Prinivanpama (his passing) and in June, when the festival of Poson is celebrated when the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, is remembered. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to these Buddhist shrines from across the country to pay homage to the Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and the Sangha (the Buddhist monks).