The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 515

This dagoba (arguably the largest at Mihintale) is thought to have been built to house relics
of Mahinda. The bodhi tree ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) to the left of the base of the steps is
said to be one of the oldest surviving ones. From here there is a view over the lakes and
trees to Anuradhapura, a horizon studded with the domes and spikes of all the massive
dagobas.
A small temple at the foot of the dagoba has a reclining Buddha and Technicolor mod-
ern frescoes - donations are requested. A room at the side is a devale (a complex designed
for worshipping a Hindu or local Sri Lankan deity) with statues of major gods - Ganesh,
Vishnu, Murugan (Skanda) and Saman.
Mahinda's Cave CAVE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
There is a path leading northeast from the Ambasthale Dagoba down to a cave where there
is a large flat stone. This is said to be where Mahinda lived and the stone is claimed to be
where he rested. The track to the cave is hard on tender bare feet.
Aradhana Gala VIEWPOINT
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
To the east of Ambasthale Dagoba is a steep path over sun-heated rock leading up to a
point with great views. A railing goes up most of the way. Aradhana Gala means 'Medita-
tion Rock'.
Naga Pokuna RUIN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
Halfway back down the steep flight of steps from the Ambasthale Dagoba, a path leads to
the left, around the hill topped by the Mahaseya Dagoba. Here you'll find the Naga Pok-
una (Snake Pool), so called because of a five-headed cobra carved in low relief on the rock
face of the pool. Its tail is said to reach down to the bottom of the pool. Continuing on
from here, you eventually loop back to the second landing.
Et Vihara BUDDHIST TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )