Mihintale is revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is an unforgettable location with a sequence of beautiful shrines, stupas and caves strung out across wooded hills and connected by broad flights of carved steps, usually busy with crowds of devout, white-robed pilgrims. Legend has it that Mihintale (Mahinda’s Hill) was where the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism in 247 BC – thus establishing the religion across the island.
Mihintale is the mountain peak where the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism in 247 BC – thus establishing the religion across the island.
At the pinnacle of Mihintale hill clearly seen from the all surrounding points is the Mahaseya. This great stupa is said to enshrine a single hair of Lord Buddha.
Kantaka Cetiya is one of the earliest religious monuments on the island, originally excavated in 1934. The highlights of the building are the four richly decorated shrines which face the cardinal points.