The Sadakada Pahana
The Sadakada Pahana (in Sinhalese) also known as Moon Stone is one of the greatest trademark of the ancient architecture of Sri Lanka. It is a semi circular stone slab which was kept bottom of the temple or building entrance, mainly starting of a staircases. Sadakada Pahana was first seen latter part of the Anuradhapura kingdom and then it was expand into Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandy kingdoms.
Historians believe that it symbolizes a religious meaning. According to the Historian Mr.Senarath Paranaviaharana the Sadakada Pahana symbolizes the cycle of "Samsara" in Buddhism.
- The half lotus in the center depicts the final achievement of Nirvana
- "Liyavel" the band with a foliage design symbolize Taṇhā
- Next the swans symbolize the distinction between good and bad
- The elephant represents birth.
- The bull represents decay.
- The lion represents disease.
- The horse represents death
All the above are carved into Anuradhapura period moon stones but some of the symbols are not carved into moonstones of other kingdom.
Source - wikipedia
I took all the photos during my visit to the Anuradhapura ancient city.
