Katu Seya Stupa at Mihintale (මිහින්තලේ කටු සෑය චෛත්‍යය)

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Mihintale monastery complex is covered with many sub units which the average traveller or the pilgrims are unaware of. IndiKatu Seya is one such sub monastery complex lying within the lager Mihintale. The Katu Seya is the second stupa found belonging to this complex. According the legend the smithy instruments and tools used in the construction of Mihintale Monastery is enshrined in this stupa. This has been identified as the “Katu Seya” mentioned in the slab inscription of Mihindu IV (956-972 AD). It mentions that the land offered to this chethiya must be managed by the officers who took cared of Eth Vehera (another stupa of Mihintale complex). However the initial builder of this stupa is not known.

In an excavation conducted in early 19th century of the area around the stupa, copper plates with inscriptions of Mahayana Suthra verses in Sanskrit and Sinhala written between 8th and 9th centuries had been discovered. According the Archaeology Department, evidence gleaned from the architectural features of the stupa centered monastic complex of the Mahayana tradition has established that this it belongs to the Anudhadhapura period.

The stupa is built on large but short terrace. The bottom part of the stupa is built using finely cut granite slabs. The top part is built using bricks.

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Map of the Katu Seya complex at Mihintale

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Driving Directions to Katu Seya complex at Mihintale

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

Route 01 from Colombo to Mihintale (A3)Route 02 from Colombo to Mihintale
Though : Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam
Distance :231 km
Travel Time : 5.15 hours
Driving Directions : see on Google map
Through : Central Expressway – Badagamuwa – Dambulla
Distance : 223 km
Travel Time : 4.45 hours
Driving Directions : see on Google maps
Route 03 from Colombo to Mihintale Route from Anuradhapura to Mihintale
Though : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Padeniya – Thambuthegama
Distance : 232 km
Travel Time : 5 hours
Driving Directions : see on Google map
Distance :15 km
Travel Time : 30 minutes
Driving Directions : see on Google map

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