Thimbiri Pokuna at Jethawanarama Monastery

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Thimbiri Pokuna in Jethawanarama Complex.

Thimbiri Pokuna (also known as Timbiri Pond) is recognized as the largest pond within the Jetavanarama monastic complex in Anuradhapura. First identified by H.C.P. Bell and documented in the 1893 Archaeology Report, the pond remained largely unstudied and unrestored for over a century.

Initial Condition

Although no immediate restoration or excavation followed Bell’s report, the design and placement of the pond suggested its importance—not only as a water reservoir for the monks but also as an architecturally significant structure. For nearly a hundred years, Thimbiri Pokuna remained a neglected mud pond, receiving no attention or maintenance.

Archaeological Excavations (1995–1998)

In 1995, the Central Cultural Fund initiated the first archaeological excavation of the pond. This project spanned three years, concluding in 1998. The excavation revealed that the pond measured 99 meters in length and 32 meters in width and had been constructed using large stone blocks.

The structure included well-finished stone staircases—one at the center of the southern wall and another on the western wall. Unlike some other ancient ponds, the bottom of Thimbiri Pokuna was not paved, indicating a reliance on natural underground springs for its water supply. The proximity of Malwathu Oya and Halpan Ela likely supported a stable groundwater system to fill the pond naturally.

Restoration and New Discoveries (2001)

Restoration efforts resumed in 2001, after the pond had once again filled with mud following the initial excavation. During the process of cleaning the mud layer at the bottom, archaeologists discovered fragments of a Buddha statue scattered near the western edge of the pond. The statue appeared to have fallen into the pond and broken into pieces.

The sculpture was made of dolomite, and exposure to water and minerals had led to erosion from salt deposits on the surface. Though the head and hands were missing, the remaining fragments suggested it was a standing Buddha statue from the late Anuradhapura period.

Artistic Style and Interpretation

The style of the statue reflects the influence of the Andhra sculptural tradition, known for its elegant and refined detailing. Based on the bent elbow and posture, scholars have inferred that the statue was most likely in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of fearlessness and reassurance—a common mudra in standing Buddha statues of the time.

The dolamite statue which was discoverd from the bottom of the Thimbiri Pokuna in Jethawanarama Complex. — The dolomite statue which was discovered from the bottom of the Thimbiri Pokuna in the Jethawanarama Complex.

References

තිඹිරි පොකුණෙන් හමුවූ බුදු පිලිමය – මධ්‍යම සංස්කෘතික අරමුදල (2008)

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps