Ambastala Dagaba and the Vatadage – අම්බස්තල දාගැබ

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Climbing up the 1,840 steps of Mihintale, this is the first relic which comes to view once you reach the upper terrace of Mihintale Complex.  Ambastala Dagaba believed to be built by  by King Mahadatika Mahanaga (09-21 AC) on the exact place where the great Mahinda Thero met the King Devanampiyatissa.

According to the chronicles this stupa was built enshrining the Buddhas hair relic between the eye brows ( called Urna Roma).

This stupa has been converted to a Vatadage style stupa in the 2nd or 3rd century and most of the pillars where the wooden roof stood upon.

A detail description of the overall “Stupaghara” or “Chethiyaghara” architecture including vatadages of Sri Lanka can be found here.

Also See

• Mihintale – The Cradle of Buddhism
• Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of the Ambastala Dagaba and the Vatadage

Driving Directions to Ambastala Dagaba and the Vatadage

Mihinthalawa can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttlam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttlam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Mihintale. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).