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.

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Check out my previous post

Postmortem - By Dinsha