Question 1

What is a sandakada pahana?

Accepted Answer

A sandakada pahana is a semi-circular carved stone slab placed at the foot of staircases and entranceways in ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture. It features concentric decorative bands depicting animals, lotus flowers, and flames, each carrying symbolic meaning related to the Buddhist path. The design evolved from the Anuradhapura period through to the Kandyan era, becoming progressively more stylised over time.

Question 2

Why is the Mahasen Maligaya moonstone considered the finest in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Prof. Senarath Paranawithana, Sri Lanka's most influential archaeologist of the twentieth century, described the Mahasen Maligaya moonstone as the most exquisite example found on the island, a judgment repeated on the Department of Archaeology plaque at the site. The carving retains exceptional detail across all its decorative bands despite its age, and it preserves the full classical Anuradhapura iconographic programme, including all four animals in the processional ring.

Question 3

Where is the Mahasen Maligaya moonstone located?

Accepted Answer

The moonstone sits at the entrance of a ruined building known as Mahasen Maligaya, positioned just behind the Ratnaprasada in the northern area of the Anuradhapura sacred city. The site receives far fewer visitors than other moonstones in Anuradhapura and has no well-marked footpath, so it helps to know precisely where to look before arriving.

Question 4

What animals appear on an Anuradhapura-period moonstone?

Accepted Answer

The processional band on a complete Anuradhapura moonstone typically shows four animals moving in a continuous ring: elephants, lions, horses, and bulls. Each animal is understood to represent a stage in the cycle of existence. From the Polonnaruwa period onward, the bull was generally omitted, and later examples often simplified the composition further.

Question 5

Is Mahasen Maligaya open to the public?

Accepted Answer

The site sits within the broader Anuradhapura sacred city precinct, which is accessible to visitors. Unlike the more prominent monuments, Mahasen Maligaya is not fenced or formally managed as a separate attraction, and there is no dedicated ticket booth or pathway. Entry to the sacred city zone requires the standard archaeological site ticket.

Question 6

How is the Mahasen Maligaya moonstone different from the Biso Maligaya moonstone?

Accepted Answer

The Biso Maligaya moonstone is the most widely visited in Anuradhapura and is set behind a protective railing that allows easy viewing. The Mahasen Maligaya moonstone is far less visited, sits in a more ruined context, but is considered by scholars to be the finer artistic achievement of the two. Both are located in the northern part of the ancient city, but they are at separate structures.

Question 7

Can I visit Anuradhapura on a day trip from Colombo?

Accepted Answer

A day trip is possible but makes for a long day, given the roughly four-hour journey each way by road or rail. Most visitors who want to explore Anuradhapura properly — including the major dagobas, guardstones, and moonstones — choose to stay one or two nights in the town. This allows early-morning visits to the sacred city before heat and crowds build up.

Question 8

What other ancient sites are near Mahasen Maligaya?

Accepted Answer

The Ratnaprasada, immediately adjacent, is famous for its guardstone carvings and is considered one of the finest eighth-century structures in Anuradhapura. The Abhayagiri Monastery complex and Jetavanaramaya dagoba are both within walking or cycling distance and contain further examples of ancient Sinhalese stone carving, including additional moonstones and inscription slabs.

Moonstone at Mahasen Maligaya

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Mahasen Maha Rajathuma