Twin Ponds Kuttam Pokuna

The Twin Ponds, known locally as Kuttam Pokuna, are an extraordinary testament to the advanced hydrological engineering and refined artistic sensibilities of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. Constructed in the 6th century AD during the reign of King Aggabodhi I, this pair of large granite bathing pools was designed as a ritual washing facility for the thousands of monks residing at the nearby Abhayagiri Monastic University.

Despite being called "twin" ponds, the two pools are actually of different sizes: the larger northern pond measures roughly 132 feet in length, while the southern pond measures 91 feet.

Both pools are lined with perfectly cut, tight-fitting granite slabs that create an elegant, multi- tiered staircase leading down to the water. The engineering behind the Twin Ponds is remarkably sophisticated. Water from a nearby reservoir was channeled through a series of underground terracotta pipes, passing through a multi-stage filtration system of desisting chambers where mud and sand were removed before the clean water was allowed to cascade gracefully into the pools through a carved stone lion's mouth. At the deep end of the pools, a separate drainage system allowed the water to be emptied and sent to nearby agricultural fields, ensuring no water was wasted. The entrance to the ponds is guarded by a beautifully preserved stone carving of a multi-headed cobra (Naga), which served as an ancient symbol of water protection and prosperity, showcasing how early builders seamlessly blended function with exceptional art.