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"Mihintale: The Sacred Dawn of Buddhism in Sri Lanka"

 


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.

πŸ•Š️ "The Great Mission" – This historic event is known as the Mahā DΕ«ta 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 ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

  • The site features around 68 stone inscriptions and over 1,800 steps leading to the summit.
  • Along the ascent, pilgrims encounter numerous historical and religious landmarks.

Key sites include:

  • Ambasthala Dagoba: Believed to be the exact spot where Arahant Mahinda first met the king.
  • Maha Seya (Great Stupa): Enshrines the relics of Arahant Mahinda.
  • Ancient rock caves such as RevatΔ« Cave, Kanda Cave, and Aradhana Cave, which served as monastic dwellings for Buddhist monks.

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πŸ•―️ Religious and Cultural Importance

Mihintale is revered as the sacred ground where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.

  • Every year, on Poson Full Moon Poya Day (June/July), hundreds of thousands of Buddhist devotees climb the steps of Mihintale to pay homage.
  • The day is celebrated nationwide as a national and religious festival, marked by acts of charity, meditation, and Dhamma observance.

πŸ›️ UNESCO Recognition

Mihintale is an integral part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It is protected under this status as a monument of outstanding universal value.

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πŸ“Œ Summary

  • Mihintale = The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
  • A site of immense religious, historical, cultural, and archaeological value
  • The spiritual heart of Sri Lankan national identity

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πŸͺœ 1. Number of Steps at Mihintale

To reach the summit of the Mihintale rock, pilgrims must climb approximately 1,840 steps (some sources cite 1,860 steps). These steps are traditionally divided into three main sections:

From the base to the middle plateau
~600
Ancient caves, water tanks, Bodhi tree shrine
From the middle plateau to Ambasthala
~600
Ambasthala Dagoba, ancient monastic ruins
From Ambasthala to the summit
~640
Maha Seya (Great Stupa), relics of Arahant Mahinda

πŸ“ Note: The exact number may vary slightly by source, but 1,840 is the commonly accepted figure.

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🌸 2. Poson Festival and Mihintale

πŸ“… When is it celebrated?

  • On the full moon day of Poson (usually in June).
  • This day commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.

πŸ•―️ Festival Highlights

  • On Poson Poya, Mihintale is beautifully illuminated—steps, caves, dagobas, and pathways glow with thousands of lights.
  • Thousands of devotees, dressed in white, climb the steps barefoot in reverence.
  • At the summit, meditation, almsgiving, Dhamma sermons, and rituals are held throughout the day and night.
  • The entire month of Poson is observed as a time for moral conduct, charity, and Dhamma study among Buddhists.

πŸŒ• Symbolism: Poson Poya = The birth of the Dhamma in Sri Lanka; the light of wisdom dispelling ignorance.



πŸ“– 3. Legends of Mihintale

Several popular legends are associated with Mihintale:

🌿 (A) The Arrival of Arahant Mahinda

  • Legend says that Arahant Mahinda descended from the sky and landed on the Mihintale rock.
  • King Devanampiya Tissa was hunting deer when Mahinda called out, “Tissa!”
    Startled, the king asked, “Who are you?”
    Mahinda replied, “We are not gods, but disciples of the Buddha, come to share his teachings.”

🦌 (B) The Deer Park and the Miga Jataka

  • As the king chased a deer, Mahinda stopped him and preached the Miga Jataka (the story of the self-sacrificing deer), teaching compassion.
  • Deeply moved, the king renounced hunting and embraced the Dhamma.

🌳 (C) The Bodhi Tree Shrine

  • The Bodhi tree shrine at Mihintale is believed to be one of the oldest in the world.
  • It is said that Mahinda himself planted or consecrated this sacred tree shortly after arriving.

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πŸ™ In Conclusion...

Mihintale is not just the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka—it is a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual awakening. More than a historical site, it is a living testament to a moment that shaped the soul of a nation.

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If you'd like more details on ancient reservoirs, rock inscriptions, or monastic ruins at Mihintale, feel free to ask! 🌼

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