Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pipe. Note the five-headed cobra figure close to the
makara
and the water-filter system at
the northwestern end of the ponds.
Although they are referred to as twins, the southern pond, which is 28m in length, is
smaller than the 40m-long northern pond.
Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond)
WATER FEATURE
Surrounded by jungle, the magnificent
eth pokuna
(elephant pond) is thought to be an an-
cient water storage pool for the Abhayagiri monastery rather than a swimming pool for pa-
chyderms. However such is its scale - 159m long, 53m wide and 10m deep - a whole herd
could undoubtedly bathe here.
Underground channels from the Periyamkulama Tank keep the pond topped up, and are
still in working order - during very heavy rains water pours into the pond from inlets.
ANURADHAPURA'S NEW STUPA
Two thousand years after the first of the great dagobas was constructed, a huge new
south side of Anuradhapura. Commissioned by President Rajapaksa, work started in
2010.
Designed to reach 85m in height, with a circumference of 244m, it will rise above the
ancient dagobas of Jetavanarama and Abhayagiri (but will not surpass the original height
of these two monuments). Sandahiru Seya is being constructed from brick (over 30 milli-
on) and will be plastered then whitewashed when finished.
Controversially, this is just one of nine new stupas planned, on orders of the president
'in appreciation of the noble service rendered by the armed forces and police to defeat
terrorism and bring lasting peace to the country'. However, some have objected to the
principle of dedicating a religious monument to the actions of the Sri Lankan military. The
government's position is that most citizens have backed the scheme (and many have
made donations to the project).
Sandahiru Seya is scheduled to be completed by 2016.
