If you’re looking for a place that’s steeped in mystery, history, and intrigue, Ranmasu Uyana, or the “Gold Fish Garden,” is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient royal lands, this captivating archaeological site offers a mix of ancient architecture, fascinating waterworks, and the lingering whispers of a royal past. Standing at the vantage point of Ranmasu Uyana today, one can’t help but feel like an intruder. After all, hundreds of years ago, this very place would have been reserved for royalty and their exclusive leisure activities. While nature has reclaimed much of the area, the ruins still evoke a sense of awe, providing a window into a bygone era.
The Tranquil Ruins and Majestic Waterworks
The standout features of Ranmasu Uyana are undoubtedly the two stunning stone ponds, which have withstood the test of time. The first, and larger of the two, is a complex water system that is said to have been designed with absolute precision. The pond is divided into two sections, with bathing chambers framed in stone at one end. Above these chambers, three stone openings direct water to flow over the chambers and into the pond below, creating an almost magical effect. It’s believed that this pond may have been exclusively for women, with the flowing water providing privacy and a sense of separation from the outside world.
Water was supplied to this pond via an underground channel sourced from the Tissa Wewa, a nearby reservoir. The engineering behind this water management system is truly remarkable. A stone seat beside the pond further hints at the possibility that this space was a secluded area for the royal occupants, perhaps even with a guard stationed to ensure their safety. At the far end of the pond, another seat suggests the presence of another water source feeding into the pond’s outer section, reinforcing the genius of the site’s design.
The second pond is similar but has a few distinguishing features. One of the bathing chambers here is carved directly into a rock face and is slightly curved. Inside, a stone seat is nestled against the rock, and carvings of elephants and fish adorn the walls, their grooves designed for water to flow out. The water for this pond is supplied from below, once again utilizing an underground system that would have been an impressive feat of engineering at the time. The symbolism of elephants and fish is significant, as it suggests that the park once housed goldfish ponds, a bathing pond for elephants, and even a lotus pond, further enhancing the grandeur of the royal gardens.
Water as the Lifeblood of Ranmasu Uyana
The masterful water system of Ranmasu Uyana didn’t stop with the ponds. The park featured an intricate drainage system with stone drains cut deep into the ground to transport water. The run-off from the ponds was carefully directed away and used for irrigation, showcasing the ancient builders’ remarkable understanding of hydraulics and environmental management. Today, remnants of this drainage system still exist, further attesting to the ingenuity behind the park’s design.
A Royal Romance and the Mystical ‘Stargate’
Ranmasu Uyana is not just an architectural marvel—it’s also home to an ancient love story that changed the course of Sri Lanka’s royal history. Legend has it that Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu, fell deeply in love with Asokamala, a girl of lower social standing who had wandered into the royal garden. Defying the expectations of his royal family, Prince Saliya married Asokamala, giving up his right to the throne. The romantic tale, though tragic in its own way, highlights the profound connection the site had to the emotions and desires of the royals.
Adding an extra layer of mystique to Ranmasu Uyana is the so-called ‘stargate’—a circular carving found at the base of a rock, its purpose and meaning shrouded in mystery. The unusual symbols carved into the stone have sparked numerous theories, from extraterrestrial connections to being a map of the world, surrounded by sea and creatures of the Earth. At the base of the stargate, three stone seats are believed to have been used for meditation, suggesting a spiritual dimension to this already enigmatic site.
The Mystery Continues
Today, much of Ranmasu Uyana remains a puzzle. Theories, legends, and beliefs continue to swirl around the site, enriching its allure. Whether it was the sophisticated water systems, the royal romance, or the mystical stargate, the ruins whisper of an ancient world that continues to intrigue and captivate. As you wander through the remnants of this once-glorious leisure garden, you can’t help but be transported back in time, imagining what life must have been like for the royals who once strolled these grounds. The mystery of Ranmasu Uyana is one that continues to invite exploration, urging us to uncover the stories hidden within its stone walls and lush surroundings.
