Anuradhapura and Mihintale

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the most significant cities in Sri Lanka’s history, known for being the capital city of the country for over a thousand years. The city is located in the northern part of Sri Lanka and is renowned for its well-preserved ruins and temples, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its historical significance has made it a popular tourist destination in the country.

The history of Anuradhapura dates back to the 4th century BC when King Pandukabhaya established it as the first capital of Sri Lanka. The city became the center of political and cultural life in Sri Lanka, and it was the capital of the country for over a thousand years until it was abandoned in the 10th century due to frequent invasions from South India. During its peak, Anuradhapura was one of the most advanced cities in the world, and its achievements in urban planning, irrigation systems, and architecture were remarkable.

One of the most significant landmarks in Anuradhapura is the sacred Bodhi tree, which is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The tree is believed to be the southern branch of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also a symbol of the Buddhist faith and an essential part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Anuradhapura was also famous for its hydraulic civilization, which involved complex irrigation systems that enabled the city’s inhabitants to cultivate crops even during droughts. The city’s reservoirs, known as tanks, were constructed during the 3rd century BC, and they still supply water to the surrounding areas. The most impressive tank in Anuradhapura is the Abhayavapi tank, which is a massive man-made reservoir with a circumference of over 20 km.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is home to many impressive architectural and archaeological wonders. The most famous of these is the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, which was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. The stupa stands at over 300 feet tall and is one of the largest in Sri Lanka. The Abhayagiri Vihara, another significant monument in Anuradhapura, is a large Buddhist monastery that was built in the 1st century BC. The site contains the remains of several large stupas, and it was once one of the largest monasteries in the world.

In conclusion, Anuradhapura is a city with a rich history and culture that has played a crucial role in shaping Sri Lanka’s identity. Its well-preserved ruins, temples, and monuments showcase the city’s impressive achievements in urban planning, irrigation systems, and architecture. The city’s significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its popularity as a tourist destination make it a must-visit location for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s history and culture.

Mihintale

Mihintale is a small hill located in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the country. The hill is famous for being the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Indian Buddhist monk Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century BC. Mihintale is also home to several significant monuments, temples, and ruins, making it a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

According to legend, the Indian emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda Thera to Sri Lanka in 247 BC to introduce Buddhism to the country. Mahinda Thera arrived at Mihintale with a group of monks and met King Devanampiya Tissa, who was hunting in the area. Mahinda Thera is said to have converted the king and his followers to Buddhism, marking the beginning of the Buddhist era in Sri Lanka.

The sacred hill of Mihintale is home to several ancient temples, stupas, and other significant monuments. One of the most important sites on the hill is the Mihintale stupa, which was built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga in the 2nd century BC. The stupa stands at over 40 meters tall and is one of the most well-preserved ancient stupas in Sri Lanka.

Another significant monument in Mihintale is the Ambasthala Dagoba, which is believed to be the site where Mahinda Thera and King Devanampiya Tissa first met. The dagoba is a small, circular stupa that is believed to have been built during the 1st century BC.

Mihintale is also home to several cave temples that date back to the 1st century BC. The most famous of these is the Mihintale Cave Temple, which contains a large reclining Buddha statue and several murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. The temple is also home to several ancient inscriptions and graffiti, which provide valuable insights into the daily life and beliefs of the people who lived in Mihintale during ancient times.

The history of Mihintale is closely linked to that of the nearby city of Anuradhapura. The city was the capital of Sri Lanka for over a thousand years and was a significant center of Buddhist learning and culture. Many of the monks who lived in Mihintale during ancient times would have also traveled to Anuradhapura to study and teach Buddhism. The city is home to several significant monuments and ruins, including the Ruwanwelisaya stupa and the Abhayagiri Vihara, both of which are among the largest and most well-preserved ancient stupas in Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, Mihintale is a small hill in Sri Lanka that has played a significant role in the country’s history and culture. The hill is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, and it was the site where Buddhism was first introduced to the country. Mihintale is home to several significant monuments, temples, and ruins, including the Mihintale stupa and the Ambasthala Dagoba. The hill’s history is closely linked to that of the nearby city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital of Sri Lanka for over a thousand years and a significant center of Buddhist learning and culture.