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Anuradhapura Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) symbolism: concentric animal carving sequence?

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Venerable Nanda•945 rep

What spiritual meanings are encoded into the concentric semicircular bands of horses, elephants, lions, and geese on the Queen's Palace moonstone?

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The Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone) placed at the foot of ancient temple staircases in Anuradhapura symbolizes the Buddhist journey from worldly desire to spiritual Nirvana. On the masterwork Queen's Palace moonstone, the outermost band represents flames (desires consuming existence). The second band depicts four repeating animals: elephant (birth), horse (old age), lion (disease), and bull (death), representing Samsara (the cycle of rebirth). The third band features a scrolling floral vine (Liyawel / worldly attachments). The fourth band depicts sacred geese (Hamsa) holding flowering lotuses, capable of separating milk from water (discernment of truth), culminating in the central half-lotus (Nirvana).

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Dr Senarath CCF•1920 rep

In later medieval Polonnaruwa moonstones, the bull was removed from the animal frieze due to Hindu sacred cow reverence under Chola influence.

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Venerable Nanda•945 rep

Carved from fine crystalline limestone, the Anuradhapura moonstones maintain crisp relief lines after more than 1,200 years of exposure.

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Guru Dharmasena Wood•1830 rep

Stepping onto ancient moonstones with footwear is strictly prohibited; modern protective low wooden bridges allow viewing without physical stone abrasion.

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Minoli Heritage•1850 rep

The Queen’s Palace moonstone in the northern Abhayagiri sector represents the pinnacle of classical Sinhala architectural stone carving.

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Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

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