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Anuradhapura Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) filtration: settling basins and subterranean conduits?

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D
Dr Rohan Conduit•950 rep

What multi-chamber sediment filtration systems purified water channeled from the Basawakkulama tank before it entered the monastic bathing ponds at Kuttam Pokuna?

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5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The 8th-century Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) built for monks of the Abhayagiri Monastery in Anuradhapura represents a brilliant integration of aesthetics and public health engineering. Water diverted from nearby irrigation tanks was passed through a multi-stage purification system before entering the pools. Water first entered an external, enclosed rectangular settling desilting basin, dropping flow velocity so suspended mud and sand settled to the bottom. Clarified water then passed through subterranean stone conduits fitted with fine ceramic filter plates, emerging into the northern pond through an ornate carved Makara (dragon) gargoyle spout.

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E
Eng Chathura Water•1860 rep

The two ponds are connected by an underground conduit at their base, allowing water levels to equalize automatically across both bathing chambers.

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D
Dr Rohan Conduit•950 rep

Subterranean drain valves at the lowest floor corner allowed monks to empty and scrub the granite floor slabs periodically before refilling with fresh water.

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G
Guru Dharmasena Wood•1830 rep

The ponds feature stepped tiers carved from monolithic granite slabs, decorated with punkalas (vases of plenty) and naga (serpent) guardian bas-reliefs.

15
M
Minoli Rampart•1840 rep

Granite slabs are fitted with mortise-and-tenon joints sealed with clay hydraulic putty that has prevented foundation water leakage for over twelve centuries.

12
D
Dr Bandula GSMB•1850 rep

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