Sri Lanka's Black Water Pond (Kaludiya Pokuna)

Mihintale is more than just a significant site of Buddhist worship. It may also serve as a site that demonstrates the advancement of antiquated water technologies. Even now, remnants of ancient ponds like Katusaya Pokuna, Sinha Pokuna, Naga Pokuna, and Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond) serve as proof of this. Kaludiya Pokuna, also known as Black Water Pond, is the largest of them and resembles a small lake. and a pond situated in a stunning valley.

Pond at Black Water

The Black Water Pond is situated next to Kumbukkandan, approximately 8 km from Sigiriya, Wahapanaha Korala, Palalesiya Pattu, Matale District, Dambulla Divisional Secretariat Division, and Sigiriya. a settlement with historic ruins close to Kumbukkandanwala, at the foothills of the Eravalagala mountain range. This 9th-century inscription names this temple—which is situated in a woodland     area—as the Dakkhina Giri Viharaya.

The Kaludiya Pokuna's History

The identity of the king who carried out this action remains unknown. According to H. C. P. Bell, one of King Kasyapa IV's generals created the Hadayunha Pirivana (896-913 AD). According to the Mahavamsa, at Mihintala (Chetiya Pabbata), the monarch created a pirivena called Hadayunha and presented it to the Dhammaruchi monks.

In Mihintala, there were eight hundred Shunyatagharas devoted to the austere monks. The Black Water Pond Monastery occupies 150 acres. There are 38 caverns throughout the entire area. Of them, eighteen caves were utilized.

The period of King Devanampiyatissa was informed that Anubudhu Buddha Thero, who came to 

Sri Lanka on the full moon day of Poson, was in need of “Vas Visima”, then the caves located on Atwehera Mountain, Rajagiri Mountain and Black Water Pond (Kaludiya Pokuna) Mountain were repaired and offered by the King Devanampiyatissa. Natural stone caves have been repaired with carved doors and windows. You must be blessed to stay even for a moment in a sacred place where twelve thousand arahats lived. Poson Poya day was a festival day for sports during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. In the past, this day was known as a ‘Jetta Moola Nakkhatta’ day. That’s why today we celebrate Poson Poya with festivity.

But what we should remember is that we got a proud culture and civilization in Poson days.

How To Travel to Black Water Pond 

If you are coming from Anuradhapura on the Horowpathana road, you should enter the A 9 road from Mihintala to the south from Jaffna to Kandy. From the center of Mihintala, you only need to go a short distance of 900 meters. During these 900 meters, you have to pass the Mihintala Hospital, the path leading to the central courtyard of the Mihintala Rajamaha Viharaya, Katu Saya. You should slow down the speed of your vehicle a little bit and be cautious. On the left-hand side of the road, you will find the sign “Kaludiya Pokuna – Thapowanaya – Mihintalea”. This place is a very peaceful and beautiful environment.You may enter the courtyard after leaving the main road and traveling roughly 50 meters.

Take cautious not to blast the vehicle horn.

• Even the car's windows and doors should be closed carefully.
• Here, you should talk quietly rather than loudly.

This has a pulpit on one side that has been painted white with chalk. The monks' dwelling caverns are on the other side. The rest shed, which is adjacent to it and is shaped like a little ambalam, will make it simple to identify. There's a little deweta road that runs between this preaching hall and the rest shed. This route is traversed by the "Kaluwara Gas." There is a walkway that leads to Black Water Pond.

The confusion that has been bothering you up until now will vanish in an instant when you witness this serene setting. This place is so silent that even a tiny piece of rotting wood falling to the ground creates a sound.

You should become used to this atmosphere as soon as feasible. Go somewhere else if you can't.

What Black Water Pond Has to Offer

Around Kaludiya Pond, there are eighteen caves with monks meditating in them. Therefore, you should obtain the Nayaka Thero's consent before proceeding down that road. You may view the monks who meditate there, the "Sulan Kapolla" atop the mountain, and the promenades that are closed off for walking meditation. Still, it is better if you go in the direction of Black Water Pond instead of the caves.

As you approach the pond, the first thing you'll notice is a "Shunyagaraya," or residence for monks, constructed by King Devanampiyathissa for the arahant monks.

The original cave's features are still discernible only here, as most cave walls constructed in the modern era are made of clay. These arches are made of stone. It is a little further away from Kaludiya Pond. The middle of the pond shows the border, which was marked in accordance with the natural surroundings.

South of the pond are the Jantagaraya, the Poth Gula, and the black stone seat where Kalabuddharakkhita thero preached. This is the lone Jantaghara in the real Mihintala Puda Bima.

The cause of Kaludiya Pokuna's water's darkness.

The water's darkness at Kaludiya Pond is influenced by a number of things. The primary criteria are that it is situated at a depth of 60 to 70 feet, that it is surrounded by mountains and in the heart of a forest, and that the bottom is a black stone plateau.

The water chambers are supposed to be at the bottom of this. It used to be covered with gorgeous flowing water lilies, but now it's coated in dirt. Folklore has many more tales.

The Buddha Sasana has grown enormously as a result of the former kings' contributions. Do we not pay respect to the ruins today? However, the current generation has changed to become a group that is indifferent to this rich history. Arrive here with a spirit of wonder in your soul. Make it a point in your life to understand that I'm contributing to the preservation of this heritage for many more centuries. Tomorrow, we shall be the rightful heirs of this.