Balapokuna Raja Maha Viharaya

Balapokuna Raja Maha Viharaya

Balapokuna Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: බලපොකුණ රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple located in Pamankada in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. The Pond Balapokuna is a small natural pond located on the premises of Balapokuna temple. According to historical sources, the history of this pond is dated back to the period of the  Kotte Kingdom (1412–1597 A.D.). The pond was originally known as Bata-pokuna [giving the meaning of "the pond of soldiers"] and the word " Bata " later evolved to the present name Bala-pokuna . During the reign of King Parakramabhu VI (1412-1466 A.D.), the water of this pond is said to have been used by the king's soldiers. As it is possible to see a vast area of the Kotte Kingdom, the high spot located next to the pond is believed to have been used as a lookout point by the soldiers who had been appointed as sentries. Presently, this area is known as Balahenmulla, the name has been derived from the Sinhalese equivalent of the garrison. Therefore…