Home  ⁄  Tag Archives: Kaludiya Pokuna

Kaludiya Pokuna – The Ancient Black Water Pond of Dambulla – By Malsha – eLanka Hidden in the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, not far from the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, lies Kaludiya Pokuna—a tranquil and historic site that blends natural beauty with deep archaeological significance. The name Kaludiya Pokuna translates to “Black Water Pond”, inspired by the dark reflection of surrounding trees on the still waters of its central pond. Historical Background Kaludiya Pokuna dates back to the 8th–10th centuries AD, during the Anuradhapura period. It was built as part of a monastic complex where Buddhist monks once lived, meditated, and carried out scholarly work. Archaeologists believe that the site served as an important hermitage, providing monks with a serene environment away from bustling kingdoms. The ruins found at Kaludiya Pokuna include: Stone pillars and foundations of ancient buildings Image houses with remnants of Buddha statues Stone inscriptions in ...

Aug 22, 2025 Posted by In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
Read More →

Kaludiya Pokuna: A secluded pool in Mihintale-BY MAHIL WIJESINGHE   Source:Sundayobserver We had an opportunity on a two-day historical excursion when the country was returning to normalcy following Covid-19 and the resultant economic downturn. We wanted history to come alive for us to feel the excitement of life in a bygone era. Our journey took us to Mihintale. Mountains are fascinating, but this particular mountain was special not only because it towers 1,000 feet upwards into the skyline, but because of its fame as the place where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Maha Thera Mahinda. This mountain was known in early times as Missaka Mountain and the 400 acres of forest area was called Missaka Pabbata which included four mountains: the Athvehera Mountain, the Anaikutti Kanda, the Rajagirilena Mountain and Mihintale. ...

May 29, 2023 Posted by In Articles Tagged ,
Read More →

Kaludiya Pokuna: Convergence of History, Archaeology and Panorama – By Arundathie Abeysinghe image Source : researchgate Sri Lanka is bestowed with religious, historical and archaeological sites, some of which are in ruins, at present. *Mihintale, considered as the “Cradle of Buddhism” is a location where one of the most significant events in Sri Lanka’s history, the meeting between Arhat Mahinda (son of Emperor Asoka of India) and King Devanampiyatissa (306 BC – 266 BC) took place. Hence, Buddhism in Sri Lanka is inextricably linked to Mihintale. Situated off the beaten track and rarely visited by the majority of tourists, Kaludiya Pokuna (meaning Black Water Pond – “kalu” meaning black, “diya” meaning water and “pokuna” meaning pond) is a breathtaking site located at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale. It is the largest among ponds in Mihintale. Most scholars are of the view that Kaludiya Pokuna may be the ...

Dec 8, 2022 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Read More →

Sigiriya: sustainable wonder to the world Source:Dailynews Sigiriya, considered to be one of the most valuable historical monuments in Sri Lanka, has long been renowned as an architectural wonder of urban planning and engineering, and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982. Converted into a royal palace following King Kashyapa’s flight from the then capital Anuradhapura, the inner-city tiers, water gardens and moats are credited for their advanced, ingenious design. The richly decorated frescoes and mirrored wall have also led Sigiriya to become one of Sri Lanka Tourism’s most prominent archaeological attractions. The latest addition to Sigiriya’s accolades is the recent announcement by Bloomberg, that listed the Lion Rock fortress, as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. ...

Aug 7, 2021 Posted by In Articles Tagged , ,
Read More →

Mihintale: the sacred mountain-Text and pix by Mahil Wijesinghe Ruins around the Kaludiya Pokuna on Western slopes of the Mihintale range Source:Sundayobserver One day of the full moon in 247 BC, King Devanampiyatissa met Mahinda Thera, the son of Emperor Asoka on the Mihintale hill. A strange conversation was struck up between the king who was hunting deer and the Thera who had been appointed to take Buddhist teachings to the island of Lanka, as they sat beneath a mango tree at the top of the hill. King Mahinda asked: – O king, what is this tree called? – This tree is a mango tree. – Are there any other mango trees than this one? – There are many mango trees. – Are there other trees which are neither this mango tree nor other mango trees? – There are many trees, but they do not bear mangoes. – Are there ...

Jun 20, 2021 Posted by In Articles Tagged
Read More →