Graceful and austere Twin ponds

by Prasad Abu Bakr

Situated further away to the north of the renowned Samadhi statue in the historic city of Anuradhapura the twin ponds are a magnificent example of landscape architecture that existed in our regal past.

The name has been derived owing to the fact that they represent so much of similarities when compared but in

 fact there are so many opposite facts that can dispute the name it has been given by historians `Khuttam Pokuna' meaning Twin Ponds.

Built by King Agabo I who ruled Anuradhapura between 563-597 AD for the use of buddhist monks that occupied the vicinity of Abhayagiriya, used for collecting water which was used by the monks for bathing purposes. Built at different times the tow ponds though appear to look identical in fact reflect different features at a closer look.

The steps that lead to the bottom of the ponds too show marginal differences. The one in the northern pond consist of twenty steps in a continuous pattern while the south one has only Eighteen steps divided into three stages.

While there is only a single balustrade shown in the northern one, the other has three. Accentuating these minute differences further is the fact that the northern one has only two flights of stone the southern one shows three flights surrounding it. All this leads one to believe that the two ponds though referred to as twin ponds, they could have been built at two different times.

The two ponds of which one is measured at 132 ft in length and 51 ft in breadth while the other is only 91 ft in length even though its breadth remains as that of the other.

At the head of the steps are a pair of vases built of stone giving the entire appearance of these ponds a sense of royalty, besides all these the twin ponds are a living monument to the fact that there were brilliant engineering techniques in the days gone by making its functions of retaining of clean water for the users of the bathers.

After it's re-cycling process the water flows out into the pond from an outer rim through a spout of a lions-head, beside this is a sort of a guard stone depicting a multi hooded snake engraved within, which is considered one of the best of its kind in Anuradhapura, identified more precisely as a Naga stone.

This engraved stone is a symbol of the period identifying the reservoir and water resources systems of that time and there are so many Naga stones used in relation to such development work done by numerous kings during their rule.

During excavation work carried out in 1950's it is believed that a collection of various symbolic objects made of various metals were found inside a small copper box buried at one end of the pond, the objects which were mostly symbols related to water such as fish, frogs etc.

It goes to prove that there has been wide spread belief in superstitious factors in those times as it has been explained that these symbols found in the copper box was buried there to keep the water levels of the ponds at a reasonable level even during the periods of prevailing drought.

Another attractive feature is the `Naga' guard stone, a stone slab depicting an exquisite carving of a large five hooded cobra. Being guard stones as they a referred to, they are generally placed at the entrance to a building site with the mysterious belief that it will protect the site and its valued treasures from plunderers.

However it is an undeniable fact that `Khuttam Pokuna' or the Twin ponds are a magnificent site to behold, its strength of character and perfect finish together with graceful lines can bring into dispute any modern structure built for the same purpose in modern times.

Situated in Anuradhapura these twin ponds are a special attraction that can be marvelled by any visitor to this

 historical city, surrounded by a number of attractions of great archaeological value the ponds have developed a reputation of being a show stopper in this vicinity that attracts over a thousands of tourists visiting Sri Lanka annually.

To many travellers that has Anuradhapura on their travel agents itinere it becomes a destination where they are just taken, mostly on a days visit, from Dambulla where they will be accommodated overnight.

But for travellers seeking to have a more adventurous tour Anuradhapura promises more than a fragment of hope. Offering accommodation at a variety of levels and many modes of travelling to arrive there. There are air-conditioned coaches from Colombo or one can travel by train which has an air-conditioned compartment attached to specially for tourist.

Once you arrive there are many three wheelers that can be hired at low cost or one may hire a bicycle available at most hotels. Ideal time to visit is between October and March to prevent the heat of the high summer. Amongst the many attractions Anuradhapura has to offer besides its valuable ruins from its historical past is the pleasant surroundings, consisting specially of vast areas of cultivated land.

As one drive through it is common site to view the many shades of lush greenery. The sight of everyday village life as one travel past more remote areas, away from the city which has more modern structures that have come up with its developing attributes, it also does not fail to reflect a glimpse of rural life, at least of what is left behind of such lifestyle today.

The city of Anuradhapura which is in the north central area of the country has many local travellers patronising the area mostly on poya days [the day that the Full moon appears in the sky] out of this too special attention is paid by devout buddhist to go on pilgrimage on the annual `Poson Poya' day which is celebrated mid-year annually in Mihintale which is around 8 Kilometres from the main city of Anuradhapura.