Mihintale is the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Arahant Mahinda, supposedly the son of the Indian Emperor of Asoka. Moreover it is just as an important pilgrimage site. Where Mihintale is different is that it is situated on a mountain, which makes for an archaeological complex with extra character.

 
Legend has it that the sacred mountain of Mihintale, situated 13km east of Anuradhapura, was sanctified by the Buddha. Therefore it is considered one of the 16 holy places – solos mastana – in the island. It was here in the year 247BC that the Arahant Mahinda, supposedly the son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa (250-210BC) of Anuradhapura to Buddhism. Asoka’s patronage of Buddhism contributed greatly to the spread of the religion throughout Asia, for he dispatched many missionaries to lands both near and far.
 

The story goes that Devanampiyatissa, while he was hunting in the forest around the Mihintale Mountain, came across a deer. He warned the animal of his presence by twanging his bowstring. After chasing the dear for a while the king was amazed to see it mysteriously changing into a personage in yellow robes.
 

It was Arahant Mahinda (Arahant is one who has reached the final stage of spiritual progress) who introduced himself as a follower of the Buddha and had come on a special mission with his followers. Arahant Mahinda, wishing to test the intellect of the King, posed him several riddles. He was impressed in the way the king solved the riddles and believed that Devanampiyatissa was a man who could comprehend the teachings of Lord Buddha. Arahant Mahinda therefore delivered his first sermon on this mount.
 

The king was so inspired by the new doctrine that he, his queen and his followers were converted to Buddhism. It was not long before his subjects followed his example, and so Lanka’s association with Buddhism began.
 
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)
(Image source   : mysrilankaholidays.com)