Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Further south along the same road is the Kaludiya Pokuna (Dark Water Pool). This artifi-
cial pool was carefully constructed to look realistic, and features a rock-carved bathhouse
and the ruins of a small monastery.
SCULPTURAL SYMBOLISM
The fourvahalkadas(solid panels of sculpture) at the Kantaka Chetiya are among the old-
est and best preserved in the country and are the only ones to be found at Mihintale.
Vahalkadasface each of the four cardinal directions and comprise a series of bands,
each containing some sort of ornamentation. The upper part usually contained niches in
which were placed sculptures of divine beings. At either end of eachvahalkadais a pillar
topped with the figure of an animal, such as an elephant or a lion. How or why these
sculptural creations came into being is subject to speculation, but one theory is that they
evolved from simple flower altars. Others suggest they were an adaptation from Hindu
temple design.
The cardinal points in traditional sculptural work are represented by specific animals:
an elephant on the east, a horse on the west, a lion on the north and a bull on the south.
In addition to these beasts, sculptures also feature dwarfs (sometimes depicted with an-
imal heads), geese (said to have the power to choose between good and evil), elephants
(often shown as though supporting the full weight of the superstructure) andnaga(ser-
pents, said to possess magical powers). Floral designs, apart from the lotus, are said to
be primarily ornamental.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Mihintale
HOTEL
( 226 6599;
www.ceylonhotels.com
;Trincomalee Rd;r Rs 5000-6500; )
As Mihintale is so close to Anuradhapura few people stay in the area, but this attractive
hotel has a pleasing open-sided lobby lounge and very spacious rooms that are a little
dated but have nice features like parquet floors. The pavilion cafe serves a set lunch for Rs
600.
