Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond)
Polonnaruwa is a city that holds great significance to Sri Lanka;’s historical image and is home for many historically beautiful places that have been built in the eras of Kings when they rules, then Ceylon. The uniqueness of this beautiful past of then Ceylon, is seen in the fact that the Kings of that time took great pains in construction processes, as even today these relics and ruins still stand tall and strong. One such historical site in the Nelum Pokuna of Polonnaruwa.
“Pokuna” or baths that are found in Polonnaruwa are said to be of reasonable dimensions. Some examples are the architecturally impeccable Kumara pokuna that is found close to the Palace of King Parakramabahu, the pokuna that lies close to the rest house is said to that of King Nissankamalla and the austere baths of the Alahana Pirivena.
Yet a jewel of pokuna architecture lies concealed along the lonely highway to the southern town, far from the bus loads of pilgrims and visitors crowding the more renowned quadrangle of Polonnaruwa packed with ruins from distinct architecture and style dynasties.
The Nelum pokuna or the Lotus bath is a small stone bath with a distinctive layout, constructed in the descending shape of eight petalled lotuses. The fine cut granite is an absolute pleasure for the contemporary day tourist. With its ancient flowering trees, the atmosphere of garden-like environments enhances its magnificence.
The chronicle talks of a lotus bath built by Parakramabahu the Great among many lakes. It is thought to be the King’s bath for the monks of the Jetavana Vihara.
Preservation of these sites come under the Archeological Department in Sri Lanka and they take a huge interest in seeing to it that these sites are maintained so that its splendor of the days of yore still reflects, taking us back to the era of Kings and Kingdoms.
