Sandakada pahana

 The famous Anuradhapura era Sandakada Pahana is regarded as one of the most influential pieces of art in Sri Lankan history. Every motif in the arrangement is laden with symbolism and depicts the different stages in the path towards Nirvana. 

The deeply meaningful nature of the Moonstone exemplifies the sophistication of Sri Lankan artwork at the time. Experts believe that this level of craftsmanship and symbolism was evidence of a highly intelligent society.

1/8 The edges of the moonstone are carved with depictions of fire. The fire represents evil, desire as well as the unknown space of eternity. 

2/8 Each animal and motif appears 8 times on the half moonstone, amounting to a total of 16 appearances on the full tray. This is to honour the Ashtamangalya according to auspicious beliefs. 

3/8 The seven rings describe the 7 stages of Samsara (eternity) the first ring being the earthly human world and the final being Nirvana. 

4/8 The 4 different animals signify the 4 omens (Sathara Pera Nimithi) according to Buddhism :

Elephant - Birth

Bull - Decay

Lion- Illness

Horse-  Death

The animals follow each other in an endless circle signifying the circular nature of Samsara. 

5/8 The creepers signify the desires that bind and trap our souls in the endless cycle of samsara. 

6/8 The swan is capable of separating milk from water- signifying the ability to distinguish between good from bad. It is a stage one must achieve in order to progress in the cycles of samsara. 

7/8 The Lotus signifies growing in the dark and breaking through the mud to blossom in the sun- it signifies the soul travelling through the many cycles of samsara before achieving Nirvana. 

8/8 The empty space at the heart of the tray signifies the end of the journey, the final destination of the soul, the letting go of all desires and achieving the supreme bliss of Nirvana.