Yathuru Pokuna literary means the Key Pond in English. These ponds are called as such since they take the shape of a key. There are 2 Yathuru Pokunas’ in the Jethawanaramaya Monastery (Yathuru Pokuna I and Yathuru Pokuna II) complex, one in Abhayagiri Monastery and one in Maha Vihara Complex close to the Ruwanweliseya.
Out of the four ponds, Yathuru Pokuna number 1 at Jethawanaramaya and the Jethawanaramaya Monastery has the best resemblance to a key. The staircase down to the pond starts from the bit part of the key and takes a sharp right-angle turn in the middle of the steps and the stairs continue along the shaft of the key. The circular pond at the end of the stairs represents the bow of the key. Yathuru Pokuna number II does have the bit part and the stairs start at the shaft of the key shape and travel directly to the pond.
The steps of the pond are made of granite and the side walls as well the pond are made of bricks. The pond gradually enlarges itself from the bottom to the top. According to the plaque at the site, it is believed that this is the pond that Aggabodhi II (608-618) built to supply the water needs of the Bodhigahara with the unique Buddhist Stone Railing of the Jethawanaramaya Monastery as per Mahavamsa.
The pond lies 50 meters southwest of the Bodhigahara with the unique Buddhist Railing Wall of the Jethawanaramaya Monastery as per Mahavamsa.
References
- Wikramagamage, C., 2004. Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.139
Also See
Map of Yathuru Pokuna II (Key Pond) of Jetavanaramaya
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Driving Directions to Yathuru Pokuna II (Key Pond) of Jetavanaramaya
Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus
Anuradhapura is easily reached by bus, train or private transport. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses start at the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. There are luxury busses which start from various places in Colomb travelling past Anuradhapura, to Vavuniya and Jaffna. However, you need to search the web and book a seat. These luxury buses mostly travel at night reaching their final destination early in the morning.
Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train
5 daily trains are starting from Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Generally, the first train leaves at 9.40 am and the last train at 8.30 pm. Travel time is 4-5 hours depending on the number of stops of the particular train.
Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van
Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and through Kurunegala. Travelling from Puttalam, you will pass the scenic Wilpattu area. There are two main routes to Anuradhapura from Kurunegala. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is through Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the most commonly used is the Kurunegala-Dambulla route (Route 2).
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 map | Through : Katunayake Expressway – Central Expressway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo : 223 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 map | Through : Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :136 km Travel Time : 3.5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
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