I visited Sri Lanka last year and that is the first time I came across a sandakada pahana or a moonstone. This is a semi-circular stone that is seen at the entrance of the temples at Anuradhapuram and Polonnaruwa. Buddhism flourished here and the moonstone became more and more pronounced with intricate carvings and came a long way from the square slab of stone it once was. It began to embody the seminal teachings of Buddhism.
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At Anuradhapuram, there are five concentric semi-circles in a moonstone. The first small semi-circle has a lotus engraved – which is said to stand for nirvana. The next band has swans which stands for the ability to distinguish positive or good from negative or bad, given the swan’s ability to separate milk from water. The third row has a band of intricate foliage that stands for the intricate network of desires that chase us through our lives. The third band has animals carved on it – elephants, lions, horses and bulls which stand for birth, decay, disease and death. And the outermost band has flames carved which represent the never-ending pain in this cycle of life. The meanings are supposed to be wildly debated across Sri Lanka.
During the Polonnaruwa dynasty, the moonstone continued to be placed in front of temples. Though the influence of the ruling Hindu kings was clearly seen in the changes that took place… the bull was a sacred animal for the Hindus, and was removed as one couldn’t step on them. The lion moved out as it was the animal of the Sinhalese race. Both these animals were carved onto the balustrades…
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Post the Anuradhapuram and Pollonnaruwa dynasties, the moonstone gradually changed in form, the animals seemed to move onto different things… and then the meaning of it was probably forgotten! It was never to be seen in such glory again!
It was just a simple stone. Placed at the entrance of every place of worship and as each person stepped on it, and was reminded of his life, his purpose and his future. This stone carried the weight of many lifetimes. Just one tiny semi-circular slab was imprinted with eternity.
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Bhavani is a traveler by choice, photographer by interest and writer by desire. She crafts tours at Audiocompass.In and blogs at merrytogoaround.com.
wonderful!
thanks lina