Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) Archaeology Complex, Mihintale - Complete Journey (2018)
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. The monastic establishment in fact brought about an ideal motive for the development of an impressive network of irrigation channels with the use of both natural and artificial ponds and waterways.
Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna and Kaludiya Pokuna.
They are no more the life line of the community of monks that may have depended on them for their daily chores. Yet today they have more of a historic value. It stands witness to our forefathers’ skills of hydraulic engineering blended with landscaping and the fine art of sculpture.
Situated at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale it is the largest of the ponds. Most experts believe that Kaludiya Pokuna may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the tablets of Mahinda IV. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pond appears to be black in colour. It is believed that on new moon day Kalu Buddha Rakkhita Thera sat under the Thimbiriya tree, close to the Kaludiya Pokuna, preached on sermon based on Kalakarama Sutta. The word Kalu means black. The word diya means water, and the word pokuna means pond.
The complex of well-planned buildings around the pond is witness to an advanced hydraulic civilization with artificial moats running through some of the buildings; the bath houses, the toilets within the buildings
Around the pond are the remains of an Aarama (Monastery) consisting of a Stupa, Uposathaghara or Pohoyage (the building where monks met at regular intervals to perform certain rituals pertaining to their conduct or behavior), Cankamana Patha aka Sakman Maluwa (promenade for walking) Parivena aka Pirivena and Pasada, Residential Cells Jantaghara, Bath House and Vacca Kutti Lavatory.
A cave dwelling found in a slight depression in the vicinity is noteworthy. Tucked so cozily under a massive overhanging of a boulder, smooth granite slabs and brick are blended together to form the enclosing walls instead of the usual brick and mortar. Some scholars believe that this would have been the bathing house attached to a bathing pokuna in front, now silted up.
Source: Wikipedia & Amazing Lanka
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond
Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond is a small but beautiful place. The lake is man made and is surrounded by large boulders and small archaeology sites that while currently occupied date back 1500 years. The monks live up the hill and meditate in the caves. There is no need to disturb their activity. Just have a wander around the small, ancient structures. Keep your eye out for small details carved in the stone.
Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) Archaeology Complex, Mihintale (2018) - 1 of 3
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. The monastic establishment in fact brought about an ideal motive for the development of an impressive network of irrigation channels with the use of both natural and artificial ponds and waterways.
Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna and Kaludiya Pokuna.
They are no more the life line of the community of monks that may have depended on them for their daily chores. Yet today they have more of a historic value. It stands witness to our forefathers’ skills of hydraulic engineering blended with landscaping and the fine art of sculpture.
Situated at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale it is the largest of the ponds. Most experts believe that Kaludiya Pokuna may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the tablets of Mahinda IV. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pond appears to be black in colour. It is believed that on new moon day Kalu Buddha Rakkhita Thera sat under the Thimbiriya tree, close to the Kaludiya Pokuna, preached on sermon based on Kalakarama Sutta. The word Kalu means black. The word diya means water, and the word pokuna means pond.
The complex of well-planned buildings around the pond is witness to an advanced hydraulic civilization with artificial moats running through some of the buildings; the bath houses, the toilets within the buildings
Around the pond are the remains of an Aarama (Monastery) consisting of a Stupa, Uposathaghara or Pohoyage (the building where monks met at regular intervals to perform certain rituals pertaining to their conduct or behavior), Cankamana Patha aka Sakman Maluwa (promenade for walking) Parivena aka Pirivena and Pasada, Residential Cells Jantaghara, Bath House and Vacca Kutti Lavatory.
A cave dwelling found in a slight depression in the vicinity is noteworthy. Tucked so cozily under a massive overhanging of a boulder, smooth granite slabs and brick are blended together to form the enclosing walls instead of the usual brick and mortar. Some scholars believe that this would have been the bathing house attached to a bathing pokuna in front, now silted up.
Source: Wikipedia & Amazing Lanka
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) Archaeology Complex, Mihintale (2018) - 2 of 3
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. The monastic establishment in fact brought about an ideal motive for the development of an impressive network of irrigation channels with the use of both natural and artificial ponds and waterways.
Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna and Kaludiya Pokuna.
They are no more the life line of the community of monks that may have depended on them for their daily chores. Yet today they have more of a historic value. It stands witness to our forefathers’ skills of hydraulic engineering blended with landscaping and the fine art of sculpture.
Situated at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale it is the largest of the ponds. Most experts believe that Kaludiya Pokuna may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the tablets of Mahinda IV. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pond appears to be black in colour. It is believed that on new moon day Kalu Buddha Rakkhita Thera sat under the Thimbiriya tree, close to the Kaludiya Pokuna, preached on sermon based on Kalakarama Sutta. The word Kalu means black. The word diya means water, and the word pokuna means pond.
The complex of well-planned buildings around the pond is witness to an advanced hydraulic civilization with artificial moats running through some of the buildings; the bath houses, the toilets within the buildings
Around the pond are the remains of an Aarama (Monastery) consisting of a Stupa, Uposathaghara or Pohoyage (the building where monks met at regular intervals to perform certain rituals pertaining to their conduct or behavior), Cankamana Patha aka Sakman Maluwa (promenade for walking) Parivena aka Pirivena and Pasada, Residential Cells Jantaghara, Bath House and Vacca Kutti Lavatory.
A cave dwelling found in a slight depression in the vicinity is noteworthy. Tucked so cozily under a massive overhanging of a boulder, smooth granite slabs and brick are blended together to form the enclosing walls instead of the usual brick and mortar. Some scholars believe that this would have been the bathing house attached to a bathing pokuna in front, now silted up.
Source: Wikipedia & Amazing Lanka
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Black Water Lake, Mihintale 29 3 2016
Kaludiya Pokuna (Pond of Black Water)
Kaludiya Pakuna or Black Water lake is situated in Mihintale, a beautiful suburban town of Anuradhapura, an important historical city 210 km north of capital Colombo in Sri Lanka. About 12 km from Anuradhapura, this town is renowned for most sacred temple known as “Mihintale Temple”. Mihintale is studded with many important stupas, caves, ponds and sacred places.
One of such places is called pond of Black Water. It is a very peaceful place for meditation or solitary picnic. The pond is believed to be a source of supply of water to the monastery attached with the Mihintale Temple a thousand years ago. Some ruins of the old monastic structures can still be seen around the lake.
-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Please watch: Farhat Abbas Shah, Dubai Mushaera 1996
-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) Archaeology Complex, Mihintale (2018) - 3 of 3
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. The monastic establishment in fact brought about an ideal motive for the development of an impressive network of irrigation channels with the use of both natural and artificial ponds and waterways.
Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna and Kaludiya Pokuna.
They are no more the life line of the community of monks that may have depended on them for their daily chores. Yet today they have more of a historic value. It stands witness to our forefathers’ skills of hydraulic engineering blended with landscaping and the fine art of sculpture.
Situated at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale it is the largest of the ponds. Most experts believe that Kaludiya Pokuna may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the tablets of Mahinda IV. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pond appears to be black in colour. It is believed that on new moon day Kalu Buddha Rakkhita Thera sat under the Thimbiriya tree, close to the Kaludiya Pokuna, preached on sermon based on Kalakarama Sutta. The word Kalu means black. The word diya means water, and the word pokuna means pond.
The complex of well-planned buildings around the pond is witness to an advanced hydraulic civilization with artificial moats running through some of the buildings; the bath houses, the toilets within the buildings
Around the pond are the remains of an Aarama (Monastery) consisting of a Stupa, Uposathaghara or Pohoyage (the building where monks met at regular intervals to perform certain rituals pertaining to their conduct or behavior), Cankamana Patha aka Sakman Maluwa (promenade for walking) Parivena aka Pirivena and Pasada, Residential Cells Jantaghara, Bath House and Vacca Kutti Lavatory.
A cave dwelling found in a slight depression in the vicinity is noteworthy. Tucked so cozily under a massive overhanging of a boulder, smooth granite slabs and brick are blended together to form the enclosing walls instead of the usual brick and mortar. Some scholars believe that this would have been the bathing house attached to a bathing pokuna in front, now silted up.
Source: Wikipedia & Amazing Lanka
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Kaludiya Pokuna, Mihinthalaya, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka 08/05/2009
The famous ponds at Mihintale. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pond appears to be black in colour. It is believed that on new moon day Kalu Buddha Rakkhita Thera sat under the Thimbiriya tree, close to the Kaludiya Pokuna, preached on sermon based on Kalakarama Sutta. The word Kalu means black. The word diya means water, and the word pokuna means pond.
KALU DIYA POKUNA - 2019
The Poddalgoda village , Heeloya and this eye catching waterfall well known as Kalu Diya Pokuna is located in Theldeniya , Kandy. It takes a whole day for sightseeing.
legends say that King Rajasinghe used to bathe in this waterwall while he was hiding in Haguranketha Palace.
Singha (Sinha) Pokuna aka Lion Pond, Mihintale Archaeology Complex (2018)
Since there is a statue of lion standing with two legs the name of Singha Pokuna has been in usage. This is the place that collected water for the use of bikkhus. Water had been supplied from Naga Pokuna through a tunnel.
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Kalu diya pokuna
Beauty of Sri Lanka Kalu diya pokuna
Kaludiya Pokuna Anuradhapura ( to 15km)
SRI LANKA 2019 - 20 - Kaludiya Pokuna , Pitigala
Unser Urlaubs-Tagebuch von unserem Besuch in Sri Lanka im Jänner 2019
Ata Seta Len aka 68 Caves, Mihintale Archaeology Complex (2018)
When Arahanth Mihindu arrived at Mihintale, he was invited to visit Anuradhapura and on the day he returned to Mihintale, Minister Maha Aritta with 50 others were ordained as monks.
Construction of caves was initiated to provide accommodation for monks. After construction of rain cover of drip-ledges (Kataram), the natural caves in and around Kantaka Chetiya were offered to monks (frontage was covered with walls at a later dates) on the Esala Full Moon Poya Day.
In addition, at a later period, caves were constructed to the left of the main flight of steps of Mihintale, at the hill of Rajagiri Lena Kanda, in and around Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) and North to the Sinha Pokuna (Lion Pond). The drip ledges prevented the dripping of rain water.
There are Brahmi Cave Inscriptions (Len Lipi), which indicate the handing over of the caves to monks according to the requirements of community of monks (Sanghika) and carries the name, village of origin and the position of his career of the benefactor (Dayaka).
Walls and frontal roofs were constructed at a later date. These inscriptions belong to the pre-Brahmi category and the Prakrit Language and Brahmi letters in them are the oldest language and letters of Sri Lanka, which was brought by Arahanth Mahinda Thera.
The caves prepared by King Devanampiya Tissa for first and foremost sixty two monks including Arahanth Mahinda Thera and other missionaries. Except these sixty eight caves there are many other caves at Mihintale and its periphery, which were later built. These caves were used as Shrine Rooms and Dwelling Cells of Monks. There are Buddha Statues, Sculptures and Paintings in some of the caves.
Source: mihintaletemple.com
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Naga Pokuna aka Cobra Pond, Mihintale Archaeology Complex (2018)
Naga Pokuna Passing Ambasthalaya on the western side are a flight of steps. When going down the steps one could see the Naga Pokuna. Its name is derived as there are figures of snakes with their hoods spread out in the back ground and is one of the most famous ponds.
Mahavansa mentions a pond named Nagacatuska connected with the information regarding the arrival of Thera Mahinda in Sri Lanka. Also the chronicle record much later that king Aggabodhi I (575-608 AD) caused to have built a pond named Nagasondi. On this information it can be assumed that the natural pond known as Nagacatusca had been converted to a man made pond by king Aggabodhi. Filled by rain water, this pond has been supplying water to the Lion pond, Alms hall and for the daily needs of the Mihintala monks.
Source: Wikipedia
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
'Kuttam Pokuna', Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
I created this video with the YouTube Slideshow Creator (
Kuttam Pokuna aka Twin Ponds/Pools, Anuradhapura (2018) – 3 of 3
One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds/Pools). The said pair of pools was built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese.
A garden was landscaped which separates the two ponds which long is 18½ ft. The larger pool of the two is 132 ft by 51 ft, while the smaller pool is 91 ft by 51 ft. The depths of the two pools are 14 ft and 18 ft for the smaller pool and the larger pool respectively.
The faces of the pools were cut granite slabs which include the bottom and the sides of the pool. A wall was also built around the pool which encloses the compound. Flights of steps are seen on both ends of the pool decorated with punkalas, or pots of abundance and scroll design. Embankments were constructed to enable monks to bathe using pots or other utensils. Water to the pools were transferred through underground ducts and filtered before flowing to the pool and in a similar fashion the water was emptied.
Dr. Senarath Paranavithana was actively involved in the restoration of the ponds, in which small figures of fish, a conch, a crab and a dancing woman were found in the bottom.
Source: Wikipedia
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Kaludiya Pokuna @ Mihinthale
Lives under water
Kantaka Cetiya (Chetiya) aka Kantaka Stupa, Mihintale Archaeology Complex (2018)
Kantaka Cetiya is a circular stupa having a base circumference of about 425 feet. It has three stepped rims. It has four frontispieces in the four cardinal directions. The frontispiece is called Vaahalkada. All the Vaahalkadas are decorated with sculptures of dwarfs, animals, human, divine figures and floral motifs. One of the most important of the sculptures on the Kantaka Cethiya Vaahalkada is the elephant headed God with two arms. The Saivites call it Ganapati or Ganeesaa. The Ganapati sculptures in the Vaahalkadas of the Kantaka Cetiya have created confusion among the archaeologists and historians. No one could not explain the connection between Ganapati God and Buddhism. Thus, the Sinhalese historians and archaeologists have tried to give some imaginary interpretation.
The four Vahaalkadas facing the four cardinal points have different animals on the top of the square pillars - the elephant on the east, the lion on the north, the horse on the west and the bull on the south.
However, in a moonstone of Sri Lanka and the Lion Capital of Saranath, we find these four animals sculptured in the moving position. At the same time, in the coins collected in the Northern mainland of Sri Lanka, Jaffna peninsula and Akurugoda of Ruhuna, we find the following symbols marked on them: 1. the Lion on one side; 2. the Horse on one side; 3. the Bull on one side and a group of four dots placed in the form of a square at the centre of a circle on the other side in each of those.
Also in the Northern and southern Sri Lanka, coins having a bull on one side and an elephant on the other side have been discovered. In India coins with a bull on one side and a lion on the other side have been discovered.
Therefore, the animals lion, horse and bull are associated with the very same group of four things. Therefore, the animals lion, horse and bull must symbolize a human who is associated with a group of four things.
Thus, one could come to the conclusion that the four animals lion, horse, elephant and bull symbolize Lord Buddha who is associated with the Four Noble Truths. Further study on coins, sculptures etc. will confirm this conclusion.
The Sinhalese archaeologists and historians say that King Suratissa have built this Stupa. The Pesavalalu and the frontispiece have been preserved to a great extent. There are ruins of the stupa which are 40 ft (12 m) in height. The monks would have resided in the caves close to the stupa. As this stupa was renovated by King Lajjitissa. There is no doubt that this belongs to the 1st century B.C.
Special Note for the Viewers:
I’ve done this video to make other human beings aware of the beauty of this place and please don’t misuse this information in order to ruin this place. I’ve spent so much of time/money bringing this to you so that you may enjoy it. However I’ve a very kind and humble request from you all.
Should you ever visit this place, you’re kindly requested to adhere to the following in order to save our Mother Nature (essentially Our Country) not only for the future generations but for the current one as well:
* Avoid careless/reckless/irresponsible/money-oriented/mega tour groups or organizers.
* Travel in smaller groups as Mother Nature can’t afford so many footprints at once.
* Minimize the use of polythene/plastic and do bring back if you have to take any with you.
* Don’t litter and even if it’ bio-degradable, please bring it back and dispose of the garbage properly and responsibly. Because no matter what it is, it will still be alien to that environment.
* Use reusable water bottles so that you don’t have to keep buying plastic ones. It’ll not only save you money but will help save nature massively.
* Remain quiet and vigilant. Don’t disturb the tranquility of the nature. Instead savor it.
* Try and bring if you spot any litter/garbage left behind by other careless travellers.
* Don’t light fires unnecessarily and do try to use portable cookers instead of using firewood when camping. The increase usage of firewood leads to more deforestation even at a smaller scale.
* Don’t bring any plants back with you or break any plants/branches unnecessarily.
* Don’t walk off the designated footpath.
* Don’t use soap/detergent/shampoo when bathing in natural streams as they’d only lead to the contamination of those pure water sources and elimination of wildlife species.
* Don’t do anything that harms the Mother Nature.
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...
Water falls of Sri Lanka - කලු දිය පොකුණ - black pool
කලු දිය පොකුණ
කලුදිය පොකුණ බදුල්ලේ සිට කිලෝමීටර් පහළොවක් පමණ ගමන් කළ පසු ස්ප්රිංවැලි ගම්මානය හමුවෙනවා
එතැන් සිට මේ මලේ වතුයායට ගමන් කරන මාර්ගයේ ගොස් දේවාලය ලගින් හැරී කිලෝමීටරයක් පමණ ගිය පසු මෙම අපූර්ව කලුදිය පොකුන හමු වෙනවා. මෙහි ඇති ගැඹුරු ස්වභාවය නිසා ජලය කළු පැහැයට දර්ශන වන අතර එනිසා කලුදියපොකුන නැත්නම් balck pool යන නාමය ලැබී තිබෙනවා .මෑතකදී සිදු වූ නාය යාමක් නිසා මෙම තටාකය ගැඹුර අඩු වී ඇති බව සදහන් වෙනවා .ඔබ මෙහි යනවනම් මෙහි ඇති ගල් ලිස්සන ස්වභාවය නිසා අනතුරු සිදුවී ඇති බව වාර්තා වෙනවා . තටාකයේ ගැඹුරු ස්ථානයන්ට නොගොස් මෙම සීතල දිය ධාරින් යම්කිසි සුන්දරත්වයත් විඳීනම් එය ඔබට සතුටක් විය හැකිය තවද මෙම ස්ආථානය ආරක්ෂා කරන ලෙස ද අප ඔබෙන් ඉල්ලා සිටිනවා.
Stupas of Mihintale Archaeology Complex (2018)
In this video, you will see the main stupas of Mihintale Archaeolgoy Site. They are:
1. Ambasthala Stupa/Dagoba
Is situated on the plain close to the peak of the mountain, and is said to have been built by King Makalantissa. The ruins show that there has been a house built encircling the stupa. The Dagaba itself is said to enshrine the relics of the great Apostle Mahinda. It is here that King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahant Mahinda. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is marked by the Ambasthala Dagaba.
2. Maha Seya aka Maha Stupa
This large stupa known as the Maha Seya is on the summit of the Mihintale hill, built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga (7-19 AD) the base of which is 136 ft (41 m) in diameter. The stupa which was in a dilapidated condition was completely restored.
3. Ath Vehera aka Eth Vehera Stupa
Eth Vehera (loosely translated as Stupa of the Elephant) is part of the Mihintale Range of Mountains consisting of three main hills. The hill crowned by the the Eth Vehera is believed to be the highest point of the Mihintale range.
However, the Eth (Ath) doesn’t really mean the Tusker or Elephant in reality. In Sinhala, Ath (Eth) also means “Inside” thus the real meaning of this Temple/Stupa is “The Inner Temple” or “Inner Stupa” according to the archaeology department.
All the while you climb the view around you seem to be unfolding better and bigger scenery. The Maha Seya, the Ambastala Stupa, the Aradhana Gala can be seen beautifully and you can make out some of the other historic attractions of the Mihintale complex such as Kantaka Cetiya, Naga Pokuna and once on the summit, Kaludiya Pokuna and Rajagiri Lena aka Rajagiri Caves can also be seen.
The rock inscription found on site has revealed that the Stupa aka Dagoba had been built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga’s reign (7-19 A.D.) and is 5m in height and 36m in circumference.
4. Kantaka Cetiya/Chetiya aka Kantaka Stupa
Kantaka Cetiya is a circular stupa having a base circumference of about 425 feet. It has three stepped rims. It has four frontispieces in the four cardinal directions. The frontispiece is called Vaahalkada.
All the Vaahalkadas are decorated with sculptures of dwarfs, animals, human, divine figures and floral motifs. One of the most important of the sculptures on the Kantaka Cethiya Vaahalkada is the elephant headed God with two arms. The Saivites call it Ganapati or Ganeesaa. The Ganapati sculptures in the Vaahalkadas of the Kantaka Cetiya have created confusion among the archaeologists and historians. No one could not explain the connection between Ganapati God and Buddhism. Thus, the Sinhalese historians and archaeologists have tried to give some imaginary interpretation.
The four Vaahalkadas facing the four cardinal points have different animals on the top of the square pillars - the elephant on the east, the lion on the north, the horse on the west and the bull on the south.
The Sinhalese archaeologists and historians say that King Suratissa have built this Stupa. The Pesavalalu and the frontispiece have been preserved to a great extent. There are ruins of the stupa which are 40 ft (12 m) in height. The monks would have resided in the caves close to the stupa. As this stupa was renovated by King Lajjitissa. There is no doubt that this belongs to the 1st century B.C.
5. Giribhanda Seya aka Giribhanda Stupa
Giribhanda Seya is located directly opposite of the Kantaka Cetiya across the main path to the Mihintale Archaeology Site. According to the slab inscription of King Mahinda IV and rock inscription of King Mahadhathika Mahanaga, it had been deducted that this stupa had been named Giribhanda Stupa. Because no other stupa at Mihintale likewise features, which described in the inscriptions.
The terrace, on which the stupa stood, was on 10 feet above ground level. The diameter of the stupa is 88 feet. The very important architectural feature of this stupa is Relic Chamber (Dhathu Garbha), where sacred relics of the Buddha and other valuable objects were enshrined. The walls of the chambers were covered with paintings, but most of them had been destroying owing to the natural facts and human activities. The numerous life-size painted figures of divinities, which adorned the walls of relic chambers, only the portions below the knee are now visible. Remains of 28 figures are recognizable.
Source: Wikipedia, Amazing Lanka & mihintaletemple.com
Facebook - Waterfall Hunter
Facebook - National Parks
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
G+
Blog - Trek with Sri...