Anuradhapura vs Polonnaruwa Moonstones (Sandakada Pahana): omission of the bull under Chola influence?
Why did medieval stonecutters in Polonnaruwa remove the sacred bull from the circular animal processions carved at the base of temple stairs?
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5 Answers from travellers
The evolution of the Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone) reflects cultural and religious shifts between classical Anuradhapura and medieval Polonnaruwa. In Anuradhapura (3rd to 10th century), the outer animal frieze depicts four creatures in continuous procession: elephant, horse, lion, and bull (representing birth, decay, disease, and death in Samsara). Following the 11th-century Chola conquest of Sri Lanka, South Indian Saivite Hindu culture exerted strong religious influence. Because the bull (Nandi) is sacred to Lord Shiva, trampling the animal under human feet was considered sacrilegious; Polonnaruwa sculptors removed the bull from stepping stones, carving separate single-animal friezes instead.
Polonnaruwa moonstones also feature altered animal carving sequences, placing horses and elephants on separate concentric bands rather than together in a single procession.
The finest Polonnaruwa moonstone sits at the northern entrance of the Vatadage in the Dalada Maluwa, carved with crisp floral scrollwork and sacred geese.
Limestone used in Polonnaruwa carvings is harder and more crystalline than the softer granulite used at Anuradhapura, resisting foot traffic wear.
Visitors must step respectfully around ancient moonstones; protective low rails allow photography without stepping onto historical relief surfaces.
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