Ambatthala
A little tableland immediately below the Silakuta of the Missaka Mountain in Ceylon.
It was near here that Mahinda and his companions alighted after their aerial journey from Jambudipa (Mhv.xiii.20).
There King Mahadathika Mahanaga built the Ambatthala Thupa, risking his own life in order to make the building secure.
He made a cover for the whole thupa and, at its dedication, held the great Giribhandapuja (Mhv.xxiv.68-81).
Kanitthatissaka built a monastery attached to the thupa (Mhv.xxxvi.9), which Gothabhaya renovated (Mhv.xxxvi.106).
The vihara was rebuilt or enlarged by Dhatusena.
He intended to give it into the charge of the Theravadins, but ultimately gave it to the Dhammarucikas at the latters request (Cv.xxxviii.76).
Sirimeghavanna had a life size golden image of Mahinda placed in the Ambatthala Cetiya (Cv.xxxvii.69).
It is said that the place was so called after the riddle of the mango tree (Mhv.xiv.17ff.) with which Mahinda put Devanampiyatissas discernment to the test.
Even now mango trees are planted near the ceitya in memory of the event (Cv.trans. i.4. n.5).
Other names for the place are Cetiyambatthala (Cv.xxxvii.69) and Therambatthalaka
