The Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura is one of the best examples of bathing tanks or Pools in ancient Sri Lanka. The bathing tanks are situated in Abhayagiri in the north Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura was built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura during 6th to 8th century. Though the pools seemed to be of the same sizes, one of them is larger than the other by 12 meter in length. The design and lines are impressive.
The Kuttam Pokuna in Anuradhapura was constructed as the bathing pools for the monks of Abhayagiri Monastery in the whole of northern Anuradhapura. There is a Lion structure through which filtered water is gushed out. The farthest end of the ponds has a system to capture mud and dirt. The water moves to a pit, where the mud and dirt of the water settles to the bottom. This helps clean water to flow into the Kuttam Pokuna ponds. The monks do their ablution in the ponds under the protective eyes of a five-hooded Naga or the Cobra, which is considered to bring good fortune.
There are steps which lead to the two ponds. The steps are present on both sides of the pool which have the decoration of punkalas or the pots of abundance as well as scroll design. There are smaller pools around to cool ones feet before dipping in to the ponds. Embankments were built to help monks to bathe with pots or other utensils. The Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura showcases the great hydrological engineering feat as well as artistry of the ancient Sinhalese people.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information on The Kuttam Pokuna, Anuradhapura as well other Tourist Attractions in Anuradhapura.
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