The ancient stairway : the gateway to the Mihintale temple

Mihintale temple is located 13 Km east of Anuradapura . This is the historic place where Emperor Asoka's son, Arahant Mahinda thero preached his first sermon to King Devanampiya Tissa in 236 B.C in Sri Lanka. This historical event occurred on a full moon day in the month of June. Mihintale is considered the cradle of Sinhalese Buddhism.

The first attraction the visitor see at the temple premises is the ancient stairway at the foot of the temple premises leading to the top of the Mihintale plateau. There are over to 1o00 wide steps to the top of the plateau and the climb is not very steep. Some steps are carved out of the rock and others ae granite slabs. You can also drive halfway up the mountain. However, the rock climbing experience is more rewarding with the view of the surrounding countryside as you climb up and the ancient attractions to see on the way up.

The path along the stairway is adorned with frangipani trees known as Araliya in Sinhala language. You also meet the mischievous monkeys along the way that want to steal flowers and food devotees take to worship at the temple.

Mihintale temple has plenty of history and ancient ruins to explore. The view once you reach the top is worth all the climbing if you are not one of the pilgrimages.

This sacred Buddhist site is visited by locals and foreigners alike year round. Buddhist devotees from across the country make the annual pilgrimage to Mihintale for the Poson full moon festival that commemorate the historical event of 3rd Century in June.

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