Question 1

What does Eth Pokuna mean?

Accepted Answer

"Eth Pokuna" translates from Sinhala as "Elephant Pond." The name likely reflects both the enormous scale of the reservoir and its association with the Abhayagiri Monastery, where elephants may have been ceremonially present. It is one of the largest ancient institutional water tanks in Sri Lanka.

Question 2

How old is Eth Pokuna in Anuradhapura?

Accepted Answer

Eth Pokuna is believed to date to the Anuradhapura period, which spanned roughly from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. While pinpointing an exact construction date is difficult, archaeological evidence links it to the major phase of development at the Abhayagiri Monastery, which flourished from around the 1st century BCE onward.

Question 3

Is Eth Pokuna included in the Anuradhapura archaeological zone ticket?

Accepted Answer

Eth Pokuna is part of the Abhayagiri Complex, which falls within the Anuradhapura Cultural Triangle ticket area administered by the Central Cultural Fund. Visitors should confirm the current ticket structure at the entrance, as it covers access to most major monuments across the ancient city.

Question 4

Can the ancient water channels at Eth Pokuna still carry water?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the underground canals that once fed Eth Pokuna from the Periyankulama Tank are partially functional even today. After a very heavy monsoon season in 1982, water was observed flowing through the original inlets, confirming that the ancient engineering has survived largely intact across more than a millennium.

Question 5

How many monks lived at the Abhayagiri Monastery?

Accepted Answer

Historical and chronicle sources suggest that the Abhayagiri Monastery could house more than five thousand resident monks at its peak. A community of that size required a reliable, large-scale water supply, which is why Eth Pokuna was engineered to hold approximately 75,000 cubic metres of water.

Question 6

What other sites should I combine with a visit to Eth Pokuna?

Accepted Answer

The Abhayagiri Dagoba and its on-site museum are directly adjacent and well worth exploring. Beyond the Abhayagiri precinct, the Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Brazen Palace, and Isurumuniya Rock Temple are all within cycling or tuk-tuk distance and together make for a full-day itinerary in Anuradhapura.

Question 7

How does Eth Pokuna compare to other ancient tanks in Anuradhapura?

Accepted Answer

Unlike the great surface irrigation tanks such as Tissa Wewa or Nuwara Wewa, which served large agricultural and civic populations, Eth Pokuna was purpose-built for a single monastic institution. Its relatively compact size belies sophisticated engineering, including pressurised underground inlets — a level of technical refinement not always found in the larger field tanks.

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