i visited sri lanka last year and that is the first time i came across a sandakada pahana or moonstone in english.

this is a semi-circular stone that is seen at the entrance of the temples at anuradhapuram and polonnaruwa.

buddhism flourished during the anuradhapuram. this is when the moonstone was supposed to have developed the most and become the most elaborate with intricate carvings. prior to that it was a square slab of stone.

carved in stone, the moonstone embodies the teachings of buddhism.

at anuradhapuram, there are 5 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…

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 a religion on its shoulders, just one tiny semi-circular slab!