Sandakada Pahana ( Moonstone) | Anuradhapura

About this Attraction

Walking through the ancient ruins of Sri Lanka, my eyes were drawn to the intricate Sandakada Pahana, also known as the Moonstone, an architectural masterpiece that embodies deep religious and artistic significance. The beautifully carved semi-circular stone at the base of staircases in ancient temples and palaces tells a story of spirituality, life’s cycle, and the rich craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankan artisans.

A First Glimpse of the Moonstone

Standing before one of the most well-preserved Moonstones at Mahasen’s Palace in Anuradhapura, I was captivated by the depth of its symbolism. Every curve and carving had a deeper meaning, representing Sansara—the cycle of birth and rebirth—a Buddhist core concept. Unlike any other architectural element I had seen before, the Moonstone was not just an artistic feature; it reflected Buddhist philosophy, guiding visitors from the material world to enlightenment.

Decoding the Symbolism

The design of the Moonstone is a fascinating representation of the journey towards Nirvana:

• The Outer Ring of Flames – The first thing that caught my eye was the ring of fire. It symbolizes the endless suffering in life, reminding every devotee of the pain and struggles they must overcome.
• The Four Animals in Procession – Just inside the ring of flames, I noticed four animals:
  • The Elephant – Birth
  • The Bull – Aging
  • The Lion – Disease
  • The Horse – Death
    Each animal, carved in motion, seemed to chase one another, representing the inescapable nature of life's cycle.
• The Creeper Band (Liyawela) – The next layer featured an intricately carved vine, a delicate pattern symbolising human desires. This depiction was a reminder that attachment to material desires fuels the endless cycle of suffering.
• The Swans and Their Deeper Meaning – The swans, gracefully carved in a continuous row, held their own symbolic weight. In Buddhist tradition, the swan represents purity and the ability to distinguish between good and evil. This was a call for wisdom and self-reflection before taking steps further into the sacred temple grounds.
• The Central Lotus – The innermost and most important part of the Moonstone was the fully bloomed lotus, signifying ultimate enlightenment. The deeper I looked, the more I realized its significance—it represented the final stage of the spiritual journey, the moment a soul achieves Nirvana, free from suffering.

Evolution and Artistic Changes Over Time

The design of the Sandakada Pahana has evolved through different historical periods, and the variations reflect both religious influences and artistic advancements.

• Anuradhapura Era (4th – 10th Century) – The most detailed and symbolic Moonstones were crafted during this period, featuring all elements of fire, animals, vines, swans, and the lotus.
• Polonnaruwa Era (11th – 13th Century) – The bull was removed due to Hindu influences, as it is a sacred animal in Hinduism. The lion was also relocated from the Moonstone to temple fences.
• Later Periods (18th Century Onwards) – The artistic expression changed, and some Moonstones took on a square shape, likely serving practical functions rather than spiritual representations.

A Surprising Alternative Interpretation

As I explored the meaning behind the Moonstone, I came across an alternative theory proposed by D.T. Devendra. He suggested that the Moonstone might have originally been nothing more than a decorative floor mat, symbolizing an area for people to wipe their feet before entering sacred spaces. The use of animals, he believed, was not tied to Buddhist teachings but rather for ornamental purposes.

Although this theory is intriguing, I found myself drawn to the profound Buddhist symbolism in the carvings—each element reinforcing the idea of life’s impermanence and the spiritual journey toward liberation.

Standing in Awe Before an Ancient Masterpiece

Touching the ancient stone, I felt connected to the artisans who painstakingly carved these symbolic patterns centuries ago. The Sandakada Pahana is not just an entryway to a temple but an entryway to a deeper understanding of life itself. Each step beyond the Moonstone signifies leaving behind worldly suffering and moving closer to inner peace and enlightenment.

For anyone exploring Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, standing before a Moonstone is an experience beyond mere sightseeing—a spiritual and artistic journey through time, belief, and craftsmanship.

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