Royal bath pond - Kumara Pokuna
Royal baths are private pond-like structures of ancient palaces commonly seen in South Asian Kingdoms. Kumara Pokuna meaning prince’s pond is one of a royal baths located in Polonnaruwa near Parakaramabahu’s palace and the audience hall and below the castle's level allowing water to flow easily from a nearby canal which is connected to the Parakrama Samudraya. A long and narrow flight of stone steps from the eastern side of Parakramabahu’s castle wall leads to the pond's area.
Construction of this royal bath was done during the period of King Parakramabahu the Great and named as "Sila Pokkharani". This has been clearly stated in ancient texts Mahavamsa and Chulavamsa.
The square-shaped pond has several layers of stone slabs decorated with friezes of lions that give a charming royal look. There are two dragon mouth shaped sprouts located either side of the entrance to bring water into the royal bath. Quadrangle shape lotus structure can be seen in the middle of the pond. There are outlets to drain off the used water. The pavilion near the pond has been used as a changing room.
