Rajagiri Kanda of Mihintale | AmazingLanka.com

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Rajagiri Kanda of Mihintale - රජගිරි කන්ද — Rajagiri Kanda of Mihintale – රජගිරි කන්ද

Rajagiri Kanda is a historic Mihintale hermitage used for two millennia. Featuring early Brāhmī inscriptions and rock-cut cisterns, it was a meditation retreat for King Saddhātissa. Its steep cliffs are also the legendary site of King Kaṇirajānu Tissa’s execution of sixty monks.

Rising prominently above the surrounding plains are the striking, bare rock formations of Rajagiri Kanda, meaning “Mountain of the Kings.” This site is easily accessible from the road located almost directly opposite the entrance to the Kaludiya Pokuna complex.

While the main summit of Mihintale draws the majority of pilgrims and visitors, Rajagiri Kanda remains a relatively overlooked area within this sacred landscape. Despite its obscurity, it has functioned as a secluded hermitage for Buddhist monks for over two thousand years.

Ancient Monastic Occupation

The area contains numerous natural rock caves that have served as dwellings for monks renowned for their virtue and wisdom across different periods. Several of these caves bear early Brahmi inscriptions on their drip-ledges, dating back to the earliest phases of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. These inscriptions typically record donations of caves to the monastic community.

According to the Mahavamsa, the ancient Pali chronicle, King Saddhatissa (r. 137–119 BCE) frequently spent Poya (full moon) days meditating in a cave known as Rajagiri Lena, highlighting the site’s long-standing spiritual significance.

Historical Incident

A more somber historical episode is also associated with the caves of Mihintale. It is recorded that King Kanirajanutissa (r. 30-33 CE) ordered sixty monks to be thrown from a cliff as punishment for allegedly conspiring against him. Although the precise location is not identified in historical sources, the steep cliffs along the southern edge of the Rajagiri cave complex are considered a possible setting for this event.

The Ascent and Summit Features

A short ascent via a flight of rock-cut steps—shaded by an avenue of densely flowering white frangipani (temple trees)—leads to the summit. Here lies Rajagiri Lena, a cave complex consisting of multiple compartments, suggesting that it may once have included a shrine or structured monastic dwelling.

The principal cave houses a small but picturesque temple constructed of brick and plaster. While portions of this structure are attributed to the Kandyan period (15th–19th centuries), the underlying architectural layout is believed to be of much earlier origin.

Architectural and Functional Elements

To the right of the main cave is a carved stone cistern, designed to collect and store water—an essential feature in forest hermitages to sustain resident monks. Additionally, on a rock above the main cave are the remains of a small stupa, indicating the presence of ritual or commemorative activity at the site.

Colonial-Era Observation

The caves were studied by H. C. P. Bell, the first Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon, who described them in evocative terms:

“A better hermitage for Buddhist monks could hardly be selected than these airy caverns. They provided every facility for a quiet retreat: within 8 miles of the Anuradhapura shrines, and adjacent yet wholly distinct from the monasteries at Mihintale and Anaikutti Kanda, they command from their peaceful secluded elevation an unimpaired restful view across many miles of dark green forest and silvery tanks.”

His account underscores the exceptional suitability of Rajagiri Kanda as a meditative retreat—combining isolation, accessibility, and a commanding natural setting.

A pond at Rajagiri Lena KandaA pond at Rajagiri Lena Kanda

An ancient washed out stupa at the top of Rajagiri Lena Kanda

View from the top of Rajagiri Lena Kanda

A dilapidated stupa at Rajagiri Lena Kanda

An entrance to an Image house at Rajagiri Lena Kanda

References

Bell, H. C. P. (1915). Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: North-central, Central and North-western Provinces : Annual Report 1911-1912. H. R. Cottle, Government Printer of Ceylon.
Dhammika, B. S. (2018). Sacred Island: A Buddhist Pilgrim’s Guide to Sri Lanka (1st ed.). Buddhist Publication Society. (Original work published 2008)
Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.
Wikramagamage, C. (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major Natural, Cultural and Historic Sites (1st ed.). Rajarata Development Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Also See

මිහින්තලාවයි රජගිරි ලෙනයි

Map of the Rajagiri Kanda of Mihintale

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Driving Directions to Rajagiri Kanda 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.