Sri Lanka: Guardian stone or moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) at the Vatadage (circular relic house), Polonnaruwa

Sandakada pahana is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances and is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism.

Vatadage is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka. It is also known as a dage, thupagara, and cetiyagara. Vatadages were built around small stupas for their protection, which often enshrined a relic or were built on hallowed ground.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia

Theme:

CULTURAL TRIANGLE