Mahasena's Palace in Anuradhapura

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comments 5

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  poornima Karunarathne

  :: 29 December 2017 06:46:46

  Nice place

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  Ilankovan Thushyantha

  :: 20 November 2016 22:14:37

  This is a ruined monasteric complex dates back to Kingdom of Mahasena. This place is famous for its finely carved moonstone situated in the entrance. Moonstone as we all know is not a crystal or gem but is a stone carving established on the entrances of ancient Sri Lankan tradition.

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  Anuradha Piyadasa

  :: 15 November 2016 22:45:55

  This place was incorrectly marked as a Mahasena's Palace. It is a Monastic Residential Complex. Please see the photo of plaque I posted. The moonstone in this location is dated back to 7-8 centuries AD. Which means the moonstone is at least 1200 years old. This is a well developed moonstone and the carvings are still clearly visible. The following text was extracted from Prof. Paranavithan's explanation of moonstone in Abhayagiriya. The Sri Lankan historian and archaeologist Prof. Senarath Paranavithana believed that the Moonstones have a deep metaphysical interpretation, with each carved panel representing a spiritual stage in a person's ascent to nirvana. Starting from the outermost semi-circular panel, he gives each a special meaning, which has become a widely accepted interpretation of the Moonstone: i. The arc with a flower petal motif (palapethi) represents the fires of a worldly existence. ii. The arc of four beasts, the elephant, lion, horse and bull represents the four mortal perils of birth, disease, decay and death. iii. The arc of undulating scrolls of leaves and flowers (liyavela) represents natural desires or craving. iv. The arc of swans or geese represents the "thoughtful ones who have left their worldly abodes." v. The arc containing a second liyavela motif represents the heavenly worlds. vi. The arc of lotus petals turned outwards, the arc of lotus petals turned inwards and seed cup in the centre forming together half a lotus all represent nirvana or enlightenment.

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  Upul Wijesuriya

  :: 15 November 2016 10:38:56

  This is one of the site we can get a idea about how they architect the monks living area in Anuradhapura period. Now Archaeologist identified this small unit as a monks residence. more units join to-gather sectors and finally monastery. The middle building is a Image House, from the four edges have four buildings with the granite coloms. They believes it must be two story building. all top flows are made from wood using hole and peg system. around the yard there is a boundary wall with four entrance for foe direction.. the identification name or tag is not suitable for the site.

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  Anuradha Dias

  :: 14 September 2016 16:06:13

  One of main icon in sri lanaka historic Art.