Katu Seya Stupa at Mihintale (මිහින්තලේ කටු සෑය චෛත්‍යය)

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Katu Seya Monastery Complex at Mihintale - මිහින්තලේ කටු සෑය ආරාමය

Katu Seya is a unique 8th-century Mahayana stupa located near the entrance of the Mihintale complex. Legend suggests it enshrines the smithy tools and iron implements used to construct the monastery. Built with a granite base and brick dome, its excavations famously unearthed copper plates inscribed with Sanskrit Mahayana Sutras.

The Mihintale monastery complex comprises numerous smaller monastic units, many of which remain relatively unknown to visitors and pilgrims. Among these is the sub-monastery of Indikatu Sēya, located within the greater complex. Within these premises stands another stupa known as Katu Sēya.

According to local tradition, Katu Sēya is believed to enshrine the tools and implements used by blacksmiths during the construction of the Mihintale monastery.

Historical References and Inscriptions

Katu Sēya has been identified as the stupa mentioned in a slab inscription of King Mihindu IV (r. 956–972 CE). This inscription records that the land granted to the stupa was to be administered by the custodians of Eth Vēhera, another important stupa within the Mihintale complex. However, the identity of the original builder of Katu Sēya remains unknown.

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations conducted in the early 19th century around the stupa revealed a number of copper plates inscribed with verses from Mahāyāna Sūtras. These inscriptions, written in both Sanskrit and Sinhala, are believed to date to the 8th or 9th century.

Based on architectural and material analysis, the Department of Archaeology has attributed this monastic complex—associated with Mahāyāna traditions to the Anurādhapura period.

Architectural Features

The stupa is constructed on a wide yet relatively low terrace. Its lower segment is built using finely cut granite slabs, demonstrating precise stonework, while the upper section is constructed of brick, reflecting a combination of durable and traditional строительные techniques characteristic of the period.

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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
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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