Lotus Pond
- The Lotus Pond, known in Sinhala as Nelum Pokuna, is a beautifully designed ancient bathing pond located near the Jetavanarama Monastery in Polonnaruwa.
- It was built during the 12th century, most likely during the reign of King Parakramabahu I.
- The pond is famous for its unique lotus-shaped design, consisting of five concentric tiers resembling the petals of a blooming lotus flower.
- Each tier is made of finely carved stone steps that lead gracefully down to the center, where water once collected.
- The Lotus Pond served both practical and symbolic purposes, likely used by Buddhist monks for ritual bathing and meditation.
- The lotus shape represents purity and enlightenment in Buddhist culture, making this structure deeply spiritual as well as artistic.
- The precision and elegance of the stonework show the advanced engineering and aesthetic skills of the Polonnaruwa craftsmen.
- Despite being over 800 years old, the pond remains remarkably well-preserved and continues to inspire admiration from visitors.
- 0The Lotus Pond is a peaceful and exquisite example of how art, religion, and nature were beautifully combined in ancient Sri Lankan design.
