MY SRI LANKAMihintale Rock holds great significance for Buddhists as it is closely tied to the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. As a result, it is revered as a sacred religious site for Buddhist pilgrims. This location holds appeal for both locals and tourists alike. If you are seeking a place that offers a multitude of experiences in one spot, such as a mini hike, a chance to delve into history, and an immersion into Sri Lankan culture, we highly recommend visiting Mihintale Rock. It is renowned as one of the top destinations for such experiences. In essence, Mihintale Rock can be described as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. In Sri Lankan historical texts, it is referred to by various names such as "Missaka Pabbata," "Chetya Pabbata," "Chetya Giri," "Ambastala," and "Miris Pawwa." It is also a popular destination for hikers and explorers. Not only does it feature the rock itself, but also a forest reserve. Mihintale Rock offers a breathtaking view from its summit, making it one of the most picturesque rocks in Sri Lanka. Therefore, if you are visiting the sacred city of Anuradhapura, be sure to include a visit to Mihintale in your itinerary.
Mihintale Peak stands at a height of 311 m (1,019 feet). Situated on the same site as Mihintale Rock are Mihintale Temple, Viharaya, and Mihintale Rock itself. To reach the summit, there are rock steps skillfully carved into the rock, totaling an estimated 1840 steps. Additionally, a protective fence has been installed to facilitate the ascent for pilgrims and climbers. The ingenuity of our ancient Sri Lankan ancestors in utilizing the technology of their time to create these monumental rock-carved steps never fails to astound me. It is truly remarkable to contemplate the immense effort they dedicated to constructing such grand structures.
The Sri Lankan Buddhists hold this place in high regard as one of their most significant religious sites. They believe that it was here that King Devanampiyatissa, also known as King Devana Paa This, encountered the Buddhist monk arahath "Mihindu," also known as arahat "Mahinda." This meeting ultimately paved the way for the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Presently, Buddhism is the predominant religion in the country. Mihintale Rock is home to a Buddhist temple, and the monks reside in the Mintale Viharaya monastery. Additionally, there is a chaithya, a revered stupa structure, where Buddhists offer their worship. King Devanampiyatissa is credited with the construction of various monuments, including the Chaitya(Stupa).
King Tissa, later known as King Devanampiyatissa, was one of the founding rulers of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. The historical accounts of Sri Lanka, as documented in the Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa, confirm that King Devanampiyatissa governed Sri Lanka from the capital city of Anuradhapura, starting from 2247 BC until 207 BC. An interesting tale revolves around the arrival of the Anubudu Mihindu Throne in Sri Lanka, along with the profound conversations and illusions that transpired between Arahat Mihidu Thero and King Dewanampiyatissa. Following these encounters, the King developed a close bond with Mihidu Thero and made the decision to embrace Buddhism, thereby establishing it as the official state religion of Sri Lanka.
There are significant historical monuments located at the site of Mihintale Rock. Closer to the entrance of the Rock, you will find the remains of an ancient hospital. One notable exhibit is the "beheth oruwa," which has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of King Devanampiyatissa. This "beheth oruwa" was used as a bathtub by the Royal family, filled with herbal water enriched with Ayurvedic herbs. In addition to this, there are numerous other memorials that showcase early Sri Lankan technology, architecture, and royalty, making it an intriguing place to explore.
King Devanampiyatissa constructed separate caves for Buddhist monks to reside in and carry out their religious activities. These caves can be found not only in the Mihintale area but also in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. This fact would surely captivate those interested in delving into the history of different countries. The caves, monasteries, and temples exhibit unique construction techniques that were characteristic of that era. The kings not only provided residential caves for the monks but also established other essential facilities. For instance, they constructed ponds to collect rainwater for the consumption of the Buddhist monks.
Kaludiya pokuna, Naga pokuna, and Singha pokuna are a few of the ponds that can be observed at the Mihintale Rock site. Even today, the Anuradhapura district does not receive rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, the ancient kings displayed thoughtfulness by constructing ponds and lakes, not only for public and agricultural purposes but also to support the survival of animals during dry periods. Furthermore, you will encounter ancient carvings and guard stones in this area. As you ascend the initial set of steps towards Mihintale Rock, you will come across the Kantaka Cetiya Vaahalkada. This structure, known as the Vaahalkada, can be observed and appreciated.
Mihintale is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, resulting in lower annual rainfall compared to other regions of the country. Therefore, it is advisable to be prepared with adequate sun protection when visiting this area. Additionally, if you plan on climbing the rock, make sure to have the necessary equipment ready. The rainy season in this location falls between October and May, with June being the driest month. The ideal time to visit Mihintale depends on personal preferences. June marks the Poson month, a significant religious celebration for Sri Lankan Buddhists, while May is dedicated to Vesak, the largest religious festival. During these months, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa may be crowded with locals participating in the festivities. If you wish to witness these religious celebrations, especially in June, it is recommended to visit during these months. However, if you prefer a quieter experience exploring nature and historical sites, it is best to avoid May and June. For those planning to visit Mihintale, climb the rock, and stay overnight, it is wise to book accommodation in advance either in Mihintale itself or in Anuradhapura due to the limited options available.
