Swastika Pokuna or the Swastika Pond is one of the many ponds of the ancient Polonnaruwa kingdom. It lies away from the regular pilgrim path and is rarely visited by any pilgrim. This pond is believed to have been built by King Parakramabahu ( 1153-1186) and had been a part of the nearby ancient hospital complex which was built by King Parakramabahu for the use of sick bikkus.
This pond is considered one of the most beautiful ancient ponds in the country. It was declared an archaeological monument and was conserved by the Central Cultural Fund recently.
Swastika Pokuna or the Swastika Pond was restored some time ago by the Central Cultural Fund. But in 2013 July the centre of this pond had been dug by treasure hunters and a 2½ feet x 2½ feet hole dug to about about 3 feet deep was discovered.
The still neglected Swastika Pokuna lies in a forested area south of Rankot Viharaya and close to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Office / Circuit Bungalow.
Also See
Map of Swastika Pokuna
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
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 royal ancient 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 : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google maps |
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |