Ancient Moonstone Carvings: Symbolic Art

Sri Lanka's ancient moonstones, known as sandakada pahana, represent one of the world's most sophisticated and symbolically rich architectural traditions. These elaborately carved semi-circular stone slabs weren't merely decorative—they were profound visual narratives of Buddhist philosophy, crafted by skilled artisans to guide devotees through spiritual concepts. From the grand temples of Anuradhapura to the heritage sites we can still visit today, these stones tell the story of our island's artistic brilliance and deep spiritual heritage.

What Are Moonstones? Understanding Sandakada Pahana

Moonstones, or sandakada pahana, are elaborately carved semi-circular stone slabs typically placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances to Buddhist temples and shrines.^[1] The name itself comes from the Sinhala language—"sandakada pahana" literally means "half-moon stone," reflecting the distinctive semi-circular shape that's become iconic in our architectural heritage.^[2]

These stones served a dual purpose: they were both practical architectural elements and spiritual teaching tools. Rather than simply being decorative, they functioned as visual reminders of Buddhist teachings and symbols of samsāra—the cycle of life and rebirth central to Buddhist philosophy.^[1] When devotees approached a temple, they would encounter these stones at the threshold, creating a moment of reflection before entering sacred space.

What makes moonstones particularly fascinating is that they evolved significantly over centuries. The design, symbolism, and craftsmanship changed dramatically as different kingdoms ruled Sri Lanka, reflecting shifts in religious influence, artistic technique, and cultural values.

The Anuradhapura Period: The Golden Age of Moonstone Carving

The earliest moonstones appeared during the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, and archaeologists consider these the most creatively impressive.^[1] The moonstone at the foot of the Anuradhapura Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) stands as a notable example of this era's exceptional craftsmanship.

The Symbolic Layers of Anuradhapura Moonstones

Anuradhapura moonstones featured multiple concentric bands, each with profound symbolic meaning. Understanding these layers gives us insight into how our ancestors encoded Buddhist philosophy into stone:

• Outer ring of flames: Represents our worldly desires, passions, and the never-ending cycle of life's suffering.^[1] The flames symbolize the heat of human craving and attachment.
• Four animals in procession: The elephant, horse, lion, and bull weren't randomly chosen—they represented the four major stages of the Buddha's life and the four noble truths.^[1] The elephant symbolizes birth (Queen Maya's conception), the bull represents sensual desire and palatial life, the horse represents the renunciation of palace life, and the lion symbolizes enlightenment and the attainment of Nirvana.^[4]
• Liyavel (foliage garland): This intricate, tightly bound pattern symbolized our cravings, attachments, and obscurations—the mental obstacles on the spiritual path.^[4]
• Sacred swans: Believed capable of separating curds from whey, they symbolized the ability to distinguish good from evil—a key spiritual skill.^[4]
• Central lotus flower: The lotus, emerging pure from muddy water, represented spiritual awakening and purity.^[2]

The most widely accepted interpretation of these symbols comes from Professor Senarath Paranavithana, whose theory explains how each element connects to Buddhist cosmology and the path to enlightenment.^[1]

Anuradhapura's Artistic Innovation

What's remarkable about Anuradhapura moonstones is that our ancient masons didn't simply copy Indian Buddhist designs—they adapted them creatively. While Buddhism came to Sri Lanka through Indian missionaries (particularly those sent by Emperor Ashoka), the Sinhalese artisans developed their own distinctive approach.^[2] They truncated the lotus petals, arranged the symbolic animals in their own unique layout, and created a semi-circular narrative that was distinctly Sri Lankan. As one historian noted, "they did it their own way"—much like the artistic independence we value today.

The Polonnaruwa Period: Adapting Tradition

When the capital moved to Polonnaruwa in the 10th century, moonstone design changed dramatically. The bull and lion motifs were removed from the main stone, representing a significant shift in religious and cultural influence.^[1]

Why the Changes?

The removal of these animals reflects the historical context of Polonnaruwa's era. The bull, sacred in Hinduism, may have been removed out of respect for Hindu influences growing in the region—stepping on this motif could have been considered disrespectful.^[1] The lion's removal, conversely, may have reflected respect for Sinhalese cultural sensibilities.^[1]

Rather than disappearing entirely, these animal motifs were relocated to the balustrade (korawakgala) surrounding the stones. The design shifted from a single band of animals to separate processions of the elephant, lion, and horse in distinct bands.^[3]

The moonstone at the northern entrance of the Vatadage in Polonnaruwa represents the finest example of this period's craftsmanship.^[1]

Later Periods: The Gampola and Kandyan Eras

By the time of the Gampola and Kandyan Kingdoms, moonstone design had transformed dramatically—and, frankly, became less sophisticated.^[3] The concentric bands disappeared entirely, and the once semi-circular stone slabs became almost triangular in shape.^[3]

These later moonstones featured a central lotus surrounded by elaborate liyavel patterns, but archaeologists note they displayed less craftsmanship than their Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa predecessors.^[3] This decline in artistic complexity may reflect changing priorities, available resources, or shifts in religious practice during these later kingdoms.

Where to See Ancient Moonstones in Sri Lanka Today

You don't need to visit a museum to appreciate these magnificent stones—many remain in their original locations at heritage sites across Sri Lanka:

• Anuradhapura: The Dalada Maligawa moonstone and those at various ancient temples showcase the period's finest work. Anuradhapura itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's oldest continuously occupied cities, serving as Sri Lanka's capital from approximately the 4th century BCE until the 10th century CE.^[4]
• Polonnaruwa: The Vatadage's northern entrance features an exceptional example of Polonnaruwa-period craftsmanship. Like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[4]
• Mirisawetiya Monastery (Anuradhapura): Contains a rare rectangular moonstone, suggesting that square and rectangular shapes may have been earlier forms that eventually evolved into the semi-circular design.^[3]

If you're planning to visit these sites, consider hiring a local guide who can explain the symbolism in detail—it transforms the experience from simply viewing old stones to understanding the spiritual philosophy our ancestors embedded in rock.

The Artistic and Archaeological Significance

Moonstone carvings represent more than historical artifacts—they're evidence of Sri Lanka's position as a centre of Buddhist artistic innovation. While Buddhism spread across Asia, our island developed a uniquely Sinhalese artistic tradition that influenced broader Buddhist aesthetic practices.

The precision required to carve these stones was extraordinary. Artisans worked with hand tools, creating intricate patterns that required both technical skill and artistic vision. The consistency of design across different moonstones suggests formal training and established artistic traditions—evidence of sophisticated craft guilds and knowledge transmission systems.

For archaeologists and art historians, moonstones provide crucial insights into several aspects of ancient Sri Lankan society:

• Religious beliefs and how Buddhism was understood and taught
• Artistic techniques and the evolution of sculptural practices
• Cultural contacts and influences from India and beyond
• The status and organisation of temple complexes
• How symbolic meaning was communicated to largely non-literate populations

Frequently Asked Questions About Ancient Moonstones

What does "sandakada pahana" mean exactly?

In Sinhala, "sandakada pahana" translates to "half-moon stone," referring to the distinctive semi-circular shape of these carved slabs.^[2] The ancient Pali name was "patika," also meaning a half-moon shaped stone or semicircular slab placed at the foot of staircases.^[2]

Were all moonstones placed at temple entrances?

During the Anuradhapura period, moonstones were found only at the main entrances to Buddhist religious sites.^[1] However, as time progressed and designs changed, their placement and use may have varied. Not every temple necessarily had a moonstone, and their presence often indicated the importance and status of a particular site.

Why are the four animals so important in Buddhist symbolism?

The four animals—elephant, horse, lion, and bull—together symbolise the Buddha.^[2] Each represents a crucial stage in his life journey: birth, sensual life, renunciation, and enlightenment.^[4] By carving these animals, artisans created a visual narrative of the Buddha's path that devotees could contemplate.

Can I still see original moonstones, or are they all in museums?

Many original moonstones remain in situ at heritage sites like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. You can visit and view them as part of your exploration of these ancient cities. Some museums also have examples, but the most impressive specimens are typically found at their original temple locations.

How do Anuradhapura moonstones differ from Polonnaruwa ones?

Anuradhapura moonstones featured all four animals (elephant, horse, lion, bull) in a single band, with multiple concentric layers of symbolic meaning.^[1] Polonnaruwa moonstones removed the bull and lion, placing the remaining animals in separate bands, reflecting changing religious and cultural influences during that period.^[1]

What happened to moonstone carving after the Kandyan period?

Moonstone carving declined significantly in artistic quality and complexity after the Kandyan period. The concentric bands disappeared, shapes became less refined, and the craftsmanship diminished.^[3] This likely reflects broader changes in religious practice, available resources, and cultural priorities as Sri Lanka experienced colonial influence and social transformation.

Preserving Our Artistic Heritage

These ancient moonstones represent irreplaceable evidence of Sri Lankan artistic genius and spiritual philosophy. Preserving them—whether through careful site maintenance, documentation, or education—ensures future generations can appreciate and learn from our ancestors' achievements.

If you visit heritage sites containing moonstones, treat them with respect. Avoid climbing on or touching the carved surfaces unnecessarily, as oils from skin and weathering can damage the fine details. Support heritage conservation efforts through responsible tourism and advocacy for proper site maintenance.

Understanding moonstones connects us to our cultural roots and reminds us that art, spirituality, and philosophy were seamlessly integrated in ancient Sri Lankan society. These stones weren't created for museums or academic study—they were crafted to guide people toward enlightenment, to teach Buddhist principles, and to mark sacred space. In that sense, they remain as relevant today as they were over a thousand years ago.

Sources & References

1. The Moonstones Of Ancient Sri Lanka: Religion, Art, And Architecture — Roar Media
2. Steps and Stones: The Mystery and Magic of Moonstones — Sri Lanka By Ish
3. Sandakada Pahana — Wikipedia
4. Moonstones (Sandakada Pahana) — Holy Vajrasana