Sunhatha Ponds (Photo credit: Google Street View)
The three ancient ponds known as Sunhatha Ponds are located near The Sanctuary at Tissawewa between the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Mirisawetiya Stupa in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka.
Chronicles record that King Devanampiyatissa (247-207 B.C.) established Sunhata Parivena after introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arhat Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century B.C. (Nicholas, 1963). It is said that the king built three ponds adjacent to Sunhata Parivena for the usage of Buddhist monks. As per beliefs, the first pond was created for the drinking purposes of Arhat monks while the second was for their bathing. The third pond was for washing robes and other clothes.
References
1) Nicholas, C. W., 1963. Historical topography of ancient and medieval
Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New
Series (Vol VI). Special Number: Colombo. Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon
Branch). p.163.
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This page was last updated on 7 June 2023
