Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) – Polonnaruwa
Description
Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) is an old pool with a novel object built by early Sri Lankan architects. It is found in the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The pond got its title because of its design which looks like a blossomed lotus flower. This pond is slightly little matched to the other ponds that got in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and it is built with rocks. The architectural design of the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo also has been invigorated by this Lotus Pond.
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Among the many attractions in Polonnaruwa are the pounds, or baths, built during different dynasties. Although the pokunas found in Polonnaruwa are of modest dimensions, they are architecturally perfect and delight modern-day tourists. However, one pokuna that stands out in its unique design and beauty is the Nelum Pokuna, also known as the Lotus Bath.
The Nelum Pokuna
The Nelum Pokuna is a small stone bath hidden along the lonely road to the northern city, well away from the busloads of pilgrims and tourists crowd Polonnaruwa's more famous quadrangle packed with ruins from different dynasties differing in architecture and style. The bath is built in tiers of eight petalled lotuses in descending form, making it a unique design. The fine-cut granite is in excellent formation and an absolute delight to modern-day tourists. The atmosphere of garden-like surroundings with its ancient flowering trees enhances its magnificence.
History of the Nelum Pokuna
The chronicle speaks of a lotus bath among many ponds constructed by Parakramabahu the Great. It is believed to be the bath provided by the King for the monks belonging to the Jetavana Vihara. The Archaeological Commissioner describing this granite marvel in his annual Report for 1990 says that the artistic conception of the stone bath is worthy of all praise.
Design of the Nelum Pokuna
The Nelum Pokuna is a granite lotus flower in full bloom, 24 ft. nine in. diameter, with five concentric laminae of eight petals, gradually diminishing to a stamen five ft. four in. across. To create the unique design of the bath, the petal rings were depressed into concavity 4ft. 6 in. depth, reversing nature's order. The result is a granite lotus bath in all its shapeliness, which has stood the test of time.
The Nelum Pokuna: A Hidden Gem
Despite its unique design and historical significance, most tourists miss the Nelum Pokuna. However, if you are lucky to visit it on a quiet evening or early morning, it is a spot of great romance which will beckon you every time you visit Polonnaruwa. The Nelum Pokuna is a hidden gem that adds to Polonnaruwa's already rich history and architecture.
In conclusion, the Nelum Pokuna, also known as the Lotus Bath, is a small stone bath with a unique design. It is a hidden gem in the historical city of Polonnaruwa, which most tourists miss. The artistic conception of the stone bath is worthy of all praise, and it is a spot of great romance which will beckon you every time you visit Polonnaruwa.
