Heritage

Kumara Pokuna of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (කුමාර පොකුණ)

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The Kumara Pokuna (Prince’s Bath or Prince Pond) is an exceptional granite bathing pool located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Positioned just outside the Citadel rampart near its southeastern corner, it served the royal household during the 12th-century reign of King Parākramabāhu I (1153-1186 CE) .

Origin and Historical Context

The pond is identified as the Sila-Pokkharani mentioned in the Cūlavamsa, described as having been constructed within the royal garden attached to the palace complex of King Parākramabāhu I (Prematilleke, 1990).

Parākramabāhu I (1153–1186 CE) presided over what is often regarded as the most illustrious phase of Polonnaruwa. His reign was marked by the construction of numerous palaces, landscaped gardens, and monumental hydraulic works. The Kumara Pokuna was conceived to represent both the aesthetic refinement and the engineering sophistication characteristic of this period (Prematilleke, 1990).

Architecture and Dimensions

The Kumara Pokuna is distinguished by its carefully dressed stone slab construction and an advanced hydraulic system.

In plan, the bath is oblong, measuring approximately 13.4 meters by 10.1 meters (44 by 33 feet) at surface level. Its design incorporates graduated, recessed gangways that reduce the stone-paved floor area to about 9.6 meters by 8.3 meters (31.5 by 27.25 feet) (Prematilleke, 1990; Bell, 1915).

Water was supplied through underground pipelines connected either to a nearby canal or to the Parākrama Samudraya Reservoir. It entered the bath via two makara (dragon-mouthed) gargoyles located on the western side (Wikramagamage, 2004).

To maintain cleanliness, a stone water lock installed on the eastern side functioned as a regulating valve for drainage. Used water was released through an aperture in a stone slab, controlled by a “stone nail” mechanism designed to prevent silting (Wikramagamage, 2004).

At the center of the bath stands a circular, lotus-like pedestal, believed to have served as a seat for the king during ritual ablutions (Burrows, 1885/1894).

To the south are the remains of a changing pavilion, known as a salu-mandapa. This ancillary structure features a molded plinth and is approached by a flight of steps fronted by a moonstone (Prematilleke, 1990).

Folklore and Observations

Early twentieth-century visitors described the site as an exceptionally luxurious bathing facility. Although often referred to as a “Lotus Bath,” some observers remarked that the carved central design more closely resembled a Tudor rose. Archaeological discoveries at the site have included fragments of a large reclining lion sculpture and a substantial padmasana image pedestal (Bell, 1915).

Restoration and Present Status

The Kumara Pokuna was systematically excavated in 1911 by H. C. P. Bell during the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon. At that time, Bell described the structure as “worthy of neat restoration.” Conservation efforts continued throughout the twentieth century.

Since 1982, the pond has formed part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, with ongoing preservation overseen by the Central Cultural Fund and the Cultural Triangle Project. Today, it remains a prominent attraction, accessible via motorable roads and well-maintained pathways.

References

Bell, H. C. P. (1915). Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: North-central, Central, and North-western Provinces : Annual Report 1911-1912. H. R. Cottle, Government Printer of Ceylon.
Burrows, S. M. (1894). The Buried Cities of Ceylon: A Guide Book to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa : with Chapters on Dambulla, Kalawewa, Mihintale, and Sigiri (2nd ed.). A.M. & J. Ferguson. (Original work published 1885)
Prematilleke, L. (1990). The Architecture of the Polonnaruwa Period, 800 B.C. — 1200 A.D. In N. De Silva (Ed.), Archaeological Department Centenary (1890-1990): Commemorative Series : Volume Three : Architecture (1st ed., Vols. 3–4, pp. 35–70). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Wikramagamage, C. (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major Natural, Cultural and Historic Sites (1st ed.). Rajarata Development Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

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Map of Kumara Pokuna

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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City

The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the ancient royal city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Central Highway—Kurunegala—Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 230 km Travel Time: 5 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.

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