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Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

The larger tank in front

The second connecting tank. Notice the water filtering system with multiple filter levels to make sure only the cleanest water goes in to the tank

Kuttam Pokuna or the twin ponds are another hydrologic engineering marvels of the ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri aramic complex and probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built between the 8th and 10th century.

The smaller pond (the northern) one has been constructed first and the larger one at a latter stage. They are connected through a pipeline at the bottom. The northern pond is 91 feet (28 metres) long and the other 132 feet (40 metres) . Water to these ponds have been supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through several filtering chambers before it falls on the northern pond through a mouth of a dragon. The water from both ponds is drained from a small outlet in the smaller northern pond.

Though the underground pipelines are no more, some of these filters can still be seen

Articles

The civilisation behind the Pokuna - Daily Mirror, May 16, 2004

Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com

Home > Heritage > Anuradhapura > Kuttam Pokuna

February 13, 2007
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