The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 514

Assembly Hall MONUMENT
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On the same level as the relic house, this hall, also known as the convocation hall, is where
monks met to discuss matters of common interest. The most senior monk would have
presided over the discussions, and the raised dais in the middle of the hall was apparently
where this person sat. Sixty-four stone pillars once supported the roof. Conservation of
this site began in 1948. The main path to the Ambasthale Dagoba leads from here.
Sinha Pokuna MONUMENT
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Just below the monks' refectory on the second landing, and near the entrance if you are
coming via Old Rd, is a small pool surmounted by a 2m-high rampant lion, reckoned to be
one of the best pieces of animal carving in the country. Anyone placing one hand on each
paw would be right in line for the stream of water from the lion's mouth. There are some
fine friezes around this pool.
Ambasthale Dagoba BUDDHIST TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; admission Rs 500)
The final steep stairway, lined with frangipani trees, leads to the place where Mahinda and
the king met. The Ambasthale Dagoba is built over the spot where Mahinda stood. Nearby
stands a statue of the king ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) in the place where he stood. On the op-
posite side of the dagoba from the statue is a cloister and behind that, a large, white sitting
Buddha statue ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) . Stone pillars surround the dagoba and may once
have been used to hold offerings.
The name Ambasthale means 'Mango Tree' and refers to a riddle that Mahinda used to
test the king's intelligence.
Nearby is the Sela Chetiya ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , which has a stone rendering of the
Buddha's footprint. It's surrounded by a railing festooned with prayer flags left by pil-
grims, who have also scattered coins here.
Mahaseya Dagoba ANCIENT TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )