The World of XPILAR - LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART CONTEST WEEK #052 | Mihinthale Old Town

Hello Steemians!

This photograph was taken at Mihinthale, Sri Lanka. Mihinthale is an ancient city in North Central Province, Sri Lanka.

According to the historical sources, King Devanampiyatissa met Buddhist monk Arahat Mahinda and the group for the first time near the "Aradhanagala" in Mihinthale. Mahinda is the son of Emperor Asoka of India.

King Asoka became a Buddhist after listen to Dhamma from Nigrodha monk. The King was disappointed from the results and damage to the people and the country after a great war. After embracing Buddhism, he sent some groups with the message of peace and Buddhism to near by countries. Under this, Arahat Mahinda came to Sri Lanka.

King Devanampiyatissa: the ruler of Sri Lanka from 247 BC to 207 BC, embraced Buddhism after hearing Dhamma from Ararat Mahinda Thero. So, this place has a religious and historical importance.

Thereafter, King Devanampiyatissa built many caves and other structures for usage of Buddhist monks around this area. Still we can see them when we visit there. There is a Vihara complex around this area.

Kantaka dagaba which is important due to its Vahalkada, Aradhanagala, Ruins of the ancient hospital, MIhindu Guhava (the Cave of Arahat Mahinda), Ambastala dagaba, Maha Stupa and Buddha statue can be seen here. Other than them, there are many caves and ponds around this area.

There is a stone staircase to climb up to this place. In every year, mainly in Poson Season many pilgrims visit this place. That is because, the visit of Arahat Mahinda has happened on a Poson Poyaday according to the history.

I took this photo from top of the Aradhanagala during my visit to Mihinthale in 2019. This picture depicts the Buddha Statue in the area, and many other ancient ruins in the area. This place is like a treasure to a history lover.

Thank you for reading. This is my entry for The World of XPILAR - LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART CONTEST WEEK #052 by @axeman 😍