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Ruins of the Ancient Hospital Complex of Mihintale (මිහින්තලා ආරාමයේ පැරණි වෙදහල නටබුන්)

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In the 5th century, the Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monk Fa-Hsien recorded that Mihintale was home to more than 2,000 Buddhist monks. To sustain such a large monastic population, Mihintale would have functioned as a fully equipped monastery complex, complete with facilities to meet the daily and medical needs of its residents. Among these was the Veda Sala or hospital complex, a remarkable feature of ancient Sri Lankan monastic life that still stands in ruins today.

The present remains of the Mihintale hospital are attributed to King Sena II (853–887 CE), though evidence suggests that an earlier hospital existed at the site long before his reign. The inner chamber of this ancient hospital was centered around a Buddha shrine.

The main entrance, located on the southern side, opens into a square courtyard. To the right lies a stone-lined tank, believed to be the Janthagharaya—a steam and hot-water bath used for therapeutic purposes. On the left are two rooms: the smaller one likely served as the medicine store, while the larger one functioned as the Dana Shalawa (refectory). In the open courtyard stands a massive grinding stone, similar to a Kurahan Gala (quern) but much larger, used for preparing medicinal pastes and powders.

Beyond the courtyard is the central hospital building, which was arranged around an open court dominated by an image house. Two standing Buddha statues once adorned the center, though today only their intricately carved lotus-shaped stone bases remain. Surrounding the shrine are 31 patient chambers, each measuring about 3 x 3 meters (10 x 10 feet) and facing the Buddha shrine. With roughly two occupants per room, the hospital could accommodate about 60 patients. The corner rooms are notably larger, and the medicinal trough—used for herbal baths—is located in the northeastern chamber.

The Mihintale hospital stands as one of the world’s earliest known medical institutions, showcasing the advanced state of healthcare, architecture, and compassion that flourished within Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist civilization.

References

දිසානායක, සෙ. (2017). අසිරිමත් මිහින්තලය.

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Map of the Ancient Hospital Complex of Mihintale

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Driving Directions to the Ancient Hospital Complex of 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
Through : Central Expressway – Badagamuwa – Dambulla Distance: 223 km Travel Time: 4.45 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance: 227 km Travel Time: 5.15 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route from Kandy to Mihintale	Route from Anuradhapura to Mihintale
Through: Distance: 136 km Travel Time: 3,30 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.	Through: A12 Distance: 14 km Travel Time: 25 mins Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.

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References

Also See

Map of the Ancient Hospital Complex of Mihintale

Driving Directions to the Ancient Hospital Complex of Mihintale

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