In 247 BCE (mid-3rd century BCE, according to several historical sources), Arahant Mahinda , the son of the great Indian Emperor Ashoka , arrived in Sri Lanka to propagate the teachings of the Buddha. On the full moon day of Poson (usually in June or July ), King Devanampiya Tissa was hunting in the forests of Mihintale . At that very moment, Arahant Mahinda encountered the king on the rocky summit and delivered the Chulahatthipadopama Sutta (The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant’s Footprint). Deeply moved by this sermon, the king embraced Buddhism. 🕊️ "The Great Mission" – This historic event is known as the Mahā Dūta Gamana , marking the official introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. → [Image suggestion: Artistic depiction or mural of Arahant Mahinda meeting King Devanampiya Tissa at Mihintale] 🏞️ Geographical and Archaeological Significance Mihintale is a small rocky mountain range located approximately 13 kilometers east of Anuradhapura , the an...