Mihintale Sacred Mountain & Sela Cetiya

What is this site?

Mountain monastic sanctuary regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; comprises 1,840 granite steps, Kantaka Cetiya, an ancient hospital, and the Sela Cetiya.

Why it matters

The site where King Devanampiyatissa met Arahant Mahinda in 247 BCE, inaugurating Buddhism as the state religion.

Description

Continuously developed as a forest hermitage and monastic university; 10th-century slab tablets by King Mahinda IV provide early monastic administrative bylaws. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Devanampiyatissa, Arahant Mahinda, King Mahinda IV. Key features to look for: Flight of 1,840 stone steps shaded by Araliya frangipani trees; Kantaka Cetiya 1st-century BCE carved stone frontispieces; Slab tablets of King Mahinda IV at the monastic refectory; Aradhana Gala summit rock peak overlooking the dry-zone plains.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Solosmasthana #15; National Reserve Schedule

Visiting responsibly

Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.

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