Namal Pokuna Temple Ruins
Namal Pokuna Temple is an interesting temple hidden into the forest of Dimbulagala that gives the pleasure of visiting and exploring unspotted historic monuments.
This temple is situated on the same road leading to the famous Dimbulagala Raja Maha Viharaya in Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. This place seems to be rarely visited even though both Viharayas are situated on the same mountain range.
A large granite parapet is seen at the entrance of this historically valuable complex. Namal Pokuna Temple ruins contains a stupa, an image house with buddha statues in which one is found on the ground without head and feet and another one standing with only knees and pedestals, a bo tree shrine, ponds and unrecognized buildings.
Caves here have been used by monks and priests to meditate and ponds are now covered by jungle. The path through the jungle leads to the Ancient Akasa Chaithiya on the top of Dimbulagala mountain range. Pleasure of walking and mild climbing can be experienced while visiting this site.
The Stupa is built upon a two metres high platform with three entrances and only a portion of the dome has lasted. The large image house comprises a large platform with a single entrance facing north and the ruins along with the Bo-tree shrine and the unidentified building remain in a good state of conservation. This site represents the architectural features of the Anurathapura era.
