Posted by Yin Teing on July 21, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Mihintale | 
I spent the longest time in this Dagoba, going around it. Actually, a strange feeling akin to dejavu came over me when I visited the place. There was strong wind blowing since the Dagoba is located on the peak.
There is a little monastery located next to the Dagoba. When I went in, an old monk actually put out the book and ask for donation. Hmmm….. monks are not supposed to solicit donation in any form according to the Vinaya (code of conduct). Furthermore, it’s sad- the place is so badly maintained.
Above, lies the statue of the Buddha as he was about to pass away.
And on the side, it is Venerable Ananda, Buddha’s chief attendant monk. As he watched his teacher passing away to parinibbana, his heart was breaking as one hand was on his heart. At that time, I could almost feel his pain and felt tears well up in my eyes. Holy places usually invoke this type of emotion. Perhaps, I was once a Sri Lankan in my previous births.
A closer view of the photo. It’s sad that no one took the time to clean up the place- instead, all they do is to ask for donation.
Posted by Yin Teing on under Anuradhapura, Mihintale |
There are a total of about 1840 granite steps up there.
Many pilgrims visit Mihintale hill because this is the place where Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka. It was said that Venerable Mahinda, son of King Asoka first landed here from India (it was said that he flew there). That time, the Sri Lanka King was hunting at the hill here. The King subsequently embraced Buddhism.
I took the opportunity to start my climb barefoot, like a lot of the pilgrims that I see. It was hot in the afternoon but strangely, my feet did not feel burnt by the hot granite steps. The place has a very strong vibe about it- I spent a long time in Mihintale- slowly going around the places at the top till the driver was beginning to wonder if anything had happened to me.
Posted by Yin Teing on under Anuradhapura, Mihintale |
Before reaching Mihintale, you will pass ancient ruins like the Ancient Hospital:
Ancient Hospital built by King Sena II (852- 887) A.C
Posted by Yin Teing on June 21, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Travel Schedule |
When I was in Sirigiya, I stayed at the Sirigiya Village hotel. After a tired day of travelling at Polonnaruwa and Sirigiya, the hotel was a welcoming sight. It is really 5 star as it is like a mini house by itself.
When I entered the room, there were even the “Welcome” sign as you see below. During the time I went, the room occupancy was so low because of the war. But at least this hotel have more foreigners compared to other hotels.
Food were laid up buffet style and in the morning when you get up, it is quite pleasant to scroll around. Usually the driver will drop you before it gets dark- so if you are like me travelling alone, you would basically spend the night hole up in the room. There were lots of TV channels to watch from.
Because that time I was afraid of being alone in hotel rooms, I actually left the TV and lights on the whole night.
Waiter service was very good. That time when I was travelling, I was a vegetarian- I had no problem getting vegetarian food- usually the tour guide company will inform the hotel in advance so there would be more vegetarian dishes.
Posted by Yin Teing on under Anuradhapura, Sirigiya |
The route to climb up Sirigiya and go down is different.
The Cobra Hood Cave
This is known by this name because of the natural cobra hood shape of the cave.
It is a cave with drip ledges that had been used as a dwelling for the Sangha during the first monastic phase before Kasyapa. According to the early- brahmi inscription here, (3-1 centuries B.C), this cave has been donated by the chieftain ‘Naguliya’. It is suggested that the painting on the ceiling with a decorative motif belongs to the 6 to 7 centuries A.D. An excavation carried out in front of the cave revealed nine human skeletons.
Posted by Yin Teing on May 21, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Nature |
A mountain range where the Monkey God (found in Chinese mythology) is known to have stepped here to search for something that was stolen from him. There is a forest monastery that I hope to visit in my next trip to Sri Lanka.
Posted by Yin Teing on under Anuradhapura, Nature |
The lake was built in the 5th century to supply water to Anuradhapura. The Avukana Buddha faces the direction of the lake.
Posted by Yin Teing on February 28, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Nature |
Below is a picture of Tissa lake that I took while the van was moving:
Posted by Yin Teing on February 9, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Sirigiya |
As you begin the long climb to the peak of Sirigiya, it will start with relatively friendly stairs:
As it goes further, it gets more steep.
Read more of this article »
Posted by Yin Teing on February 5, 2010 under Sirigiya |
Your driver will normally drop you around here. Then you have to make your way up to Sirigiya. It is better if you already have a guide with you- else, many would be approaching you. By the way, if you need to visit the loo, please do so before hiking up because the last time I was there, I don’t recall there is any washroom once you start the climb.
You will pass the “Miniature Water” garden as you begin your climb up to Sirigiya:
Below: The view of the Miniature garden taken from almost the peak. Imagine how high the place is.
