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  • 5/5 Lochana S. 4 years ago on Google
    A great historical place in srilanka.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thivantha H. 4 years ago on Google
    This zoo is maintained by the Sri Lankan Army. I visited this place 20 years ago. That time they had a bear too. A good place to be.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Narendran S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful carving of the Anuradhapura period moon stone
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dumith S. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful and characteristic Sandakadapahana in Sri Lanka and also known as Moon-stone,. This is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka and It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases at the entrances.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kasun B. 1 year ago on Google
    The Anuradhapura Moonstone is a highly regarded artifact of Sri Lankan art and architecture. It is praised for its intricate carvings, rich cultural and historical significance, and its beauty as an architectural element. Many visitors to the ancient city of Anuradhapura are awed by the moonstones and appreciate their intricate designs and the insight they provide into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. The moonstones are considered an important part of Sri Lanka's artistic and architectural legacy and continue to be admired by visitors and locals alike. Overall, the Anuradhapura Moonstone is widely regarded as a remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 samitha s. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the most stunning carving of ancient srilankans.it is usually séen at the bottom of staircases of buildings and temples. This symbolises the cycle of sansara in buddism. In the centre of it a half lotus is carved.swangs liyawel and animals are in each band of the moonstone.animals in the moonstone are elephants ,lions horses and bulls .they symbolise four stages of life.final band contains carvings of flames.Each band has deep meaning related to buddism Worth a visit in your trip to anuradhapura.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Damith Soyza D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The moonstone is the last step of the staircase. It is described in the Atua as "Sopana Hettichandapashana", a stone-shaped reef at the foot of the stairway. It was customary to create this later. Sandakada Pahana The earliest times when the construction of buildings in Anuradhapura began, ie. It is thought to have originated in the 3rd century. Moonstones belong to the seventh and ninth centuries. In the early days, it was made of sculptures without carvings. Later, carved moonstone was used for important places such as statues and houses. The moonstone at the Absoyagiri Viharaya in Anuradhapura is considered to be one of the finest works of art. The carvings of the ancient temples were not to be admired. Therefore, the carvings were applied to trampling places such as stairs. According to Prof. Paranavitana, these carvings remind the Buddhist ideas of the one who enters the statues. According to him, the half-circle is the flame of artistic reflection. It means that the normal world is filled with trouble, suffering, and misery. Of the four animals that follow, the four are fears of race, decay, disease, and death. Those who live in the world fear the root causes of these troubles. When selected, a thin line is shown next to indicate the gradual thinning of cravings. Finally, the lotus indicates that after entering this place, the mind is pure and it is the path to eternal life. In the Polonnaruwa period, the twelfth century, when Hinduism was heavily influenced by the Hindu religion, it was removed from the carvings as it was considered to be the vehicle of the God of Lord Aishwara. Reconstruction of Sandakada Pahana Mr. MCP Bell states that the moonstone represents the four directions of the moon. Winston de Smith Jr. Chī. Prague and Benjamin Roland also endorse Bell's view. According to Senarath Paranavithanam, the flame design in the circular column at the end of the moonstone is a symbol of kamagni and kodhanti. The elephant, the lion, the wolf, and the four animals symbolize the four fears of kin, creeping, malady, and death. Lava is the symbol of covetousness. Swans are symbolic of idolatry and medieval piety. Thus the whole moon is a symbol of the forum. "The moonstone is in the shape of a half circle, but it is only half of a complete circle," he said, pointing to a full moon cycle. is. (Original) සඳකඩපහණ යනූ‍වෙන් හැදින්වෙනුයේ පඩිපෙළෙහි අවසාන පඩියයි. එය අටුවාවෙහි විස්තර කොට ඇත්තේ සොපාන හෙට්ටිචන්දපාෂාණ යනුවෙන්ය.එනම් පියගැට පාමුළෙහි ඇති අඩසඳක හැඩයේ ගල්පුවරුව යනුවෙනි. පසුව මෙය අලංකාර ලෙස නිර්මාණය කිරීම පුරුද්දක් ලෙස කෙරිණ. සඳකඩපහණ අනුරාධපුරයේ ගොඩනැගිළි තැනීම ඇරඹුන මුල් කාළයේදීම එනම් ක්‍රි.පු. 3 වන සියවසේදී ආරම්භ වු බව සිතිය හැක. සඳකඩපහණ හත්වන හා නවවන සියවස්වලට අයත් වේ. මුල් කාළයේ මෙය කැටයම් වලින් තොරව චාම් අන්දමින් නිමවා තිබුණි. පසු කාළයේදී කැටයම් වලින් සැරසු බව සිතිය හැක.පසු කාළයේ වුවද කැටයම් සහිත සඳකඩපහණ යොදන ලද්දේ පිළිම ගෙවල් වැනි වැදගත් ස්ථාන සදහාය. අනුරාධපුර අභයගිරිවිහාරයේ බිසෝමාළිගාවේ ඇති සඳකඩපහණ කලාත්මක අතින් උසස්ම නිර්මාණයක් ලෙස සැළකේ. පැරණි විහාරයන්හි කැටයම් අලංකාර වැනි‍ දේ අගය නොකළ යුතු දේවල් ලෙස සැළකින. ඒ නිසා කැටයම් යොදන ලද්දේ පඩිපෙළවල් වැනි පාගාගෙන යන ස්ථානවලටය. මහාචාර්ය පරණවිතාන මහතාගේ මතය අනුව මෙම කැටයම් වලින් බෞද්ධ අදහස් පිළිමගෙවල්වලට ඇතුල්වන තැනැත්තාට සිහිපත් කරවයි. එතුමාගේ අදහස් වලට අනුව අඩකවයේ වටයේ ඇත්තේ කලාත්මක ලෙස නිරෑපණය කරන ලද ගිනි දැල්ලයි. එයින් අදහස් වන්නේ සාමාන්‍ය ලෝකය කරදර, දුක්ගැහැට, වලින් පිරී තිබෙන බවයි. අනතුරුව දැක්වෙන සතුන් සතර දෙනාගෙන් ලෝකයෙහි ජීවත්වන අයට මුහුණදීමට සිදුවන ජාති, ජරා, ව්‍යාධි සහ මරණ යන සතර භයයි.අනතුරුව දැක්වෙන ඝන ලියවැල මෙම කරදරවලට මුල්වන තෘෂ්ණාව දක්වයි.ඊළඟට දැක්වෙන හංස පේළියෙන් කියවෙනුයේ බුද්ධිමත් පුද්ගලයන් ලෝකයේ පවතින නරක අතහැර යහපත් ධර්මය අනුගමනය කරන බවයි. එසේ තෝරාගත් විට ක්‍රමයෙන් තෘෂ්ණාව තුනීවන බව දැක්වීමට ඊළඟට තුනී වු ලියවැලක් දක්වා ඇත. අවසාන වශයෙන් නෙලුමෙන් දැක්වෙනුයේ මෙම ස්ථානයට ඇතුළුවීමෙන් පසුව සිතේ ඇතිවන පිරිසිදු බවත් එය නිර්වාණයට මාර්ගය බවත් ය. පොළොන්නරැ යුගයේදී එනම් දොළොස්වන සියවසේ දී හින්දු ආගමික බලපෑම තදින්ම ඇතිවීමත් සමඟ ගවරූපය ඊශ්වර දෙවියන්ගේ වාහනය ලෙස සළකන හෙයින් එය කැටයම් යලින් ඉවත් කරන ලදි.පසු කාළයේදී විවිධ හැඩයෙන් යුතු සඳකඩපහණ් දක්නට ලැබේ. සඳකඩපහණේ නිමිත්තසංස්කරණය එම්.සී.පී.බෙල් මහතා ප්‍රකාශ කරනු ලබන්නේ සඳකඩ පහණ සතර දිසාව නිරූපණය කරන්නක් බවයි. වින්සන් ද ස්මිත් ඡේ. ඡී. ප්‍රගල්, බෙන්ඡමින් රෝලන්ඩ් ද යන අය ද බෙල්ගේ අදහස අනුමත කරයි. සෙනරත් පරණවිතානමොහු‍ගේ මෙම අදහස අනුව සඳකඩ පහනේ අග පිහිටි කවාකාර තීරුවේ පෙනෙන ගිනිදල් මෝස්තරය කමාග්නියේද, කෝධාන්තියේද සංකේතයකි. ඇතා අශ්වයා, සිංහයා, වෘෂභයා යන සතුක් සිව්දෙනා සංකේතවත් කරන්නේ ඡාති, ජරා, ව්‍යාධි, මරණ යන සතර බියයි. ලියවැල වු කලී තණ්හාවේ සංකේතය වන ලතාවයි. හංස රූප අභිනිෂ්ක්‍රමණය ද මැද පියුම් ශ්‍රද්ධාවද දක්වන සංකේතවේ. මේ අනුව මුළු සදකඩපහණ ම සංසාරය පිළිබඳ සංකේතයකි. තවද සදකඩපහණ අර්ධ කවයක හැඩයෙන් දක්වන නමුත් එය සම්පූර්ණ කවයකින් අඩක් පමණ බවත් සියලු භවවලින් ගහණ වූ භව චක්‍රය එයින් නිරූපිත වන බවත් පරණවිතාන මහතා කියයි.මෙම අර්ථකථනය නිර්මානාත්මක වූවද සංසාරය එතෙර වීම වැනි ශුද්ධ වූ අදහසක් නිරූපනය වන සදකඩපහණ ප‍යට පෑගෙන ස්ථානයක තබනු ඇතැයි ද යන සැකය මතු වේ.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sri Lankan Travel Partner - G. 5 years ago on Google
    It's a good place to time out with kids. several animals are there. And also there is a playground area for kids. Most important thing is this area is totally free for everyone. Anyone can visit during official time. Don't worry about food and beverage because you can buy everything from there at a very reasonable prices which are mouth watering tasty.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kasthuri Arachchi J. 1 year ago on Google
    It's one of the most famous and historic places in Sri Lanka. You could visit the place during anytime of the day but usually the mornings, afternoons and evenings are preferred. And for the travellers outside of Sri Lanka they have to buy tickets and is usually included in the ticket 🎟️ which you have to get to visit sacred places in Anuradhapura.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Do what You l. 9 months ago on Google
    Very important place to visit for children and adults....proud of our ancient creations.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gihan R. 6 years ago on Google
    Amazing creature!! Each and every design of this moonstone shows a meaning
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shanuka M. 4 years ago on Google
    Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandy period. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Buddhika J. 4 years ago on Google
    A wonderfull ancient art work. It demonstrate the level of their quality work and patient.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Thangavadivel J. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to take a break, while traveling from north to Colombo.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kamal D. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit with kids, small zoo.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Buddhika M. 4 years ago on Google
    Gajaba Zoo located in Anuradhapura District facing Anuradhapura - Jaffna Road @Saliyapura. This is a small zoo open few years back. The zoo is managed by Gajaba Regiment of Sri lanka Army...free of charge..few numbers of Animal including Sri Lankan Bear, fishcat Lepord, Deers, Gooes, 🐊 , owl, hawk, etc...you can see all the animal within one our...parking, foods, toilet facilities are also avilable..
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarath Kumara Abeywickrama (Travel with S. 4 years ago on Google
    The moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) is a permanent feature of the buddhist building of all historical periods. This is a semi circular piece of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most buddhist buildings. Although the moonstone is generally semi circular, Sometimes you can come across square moonstones. It is thought that the moon stones originated as blank square stone and later developed in to a semi circular shape. This again developed to include multitude of carved decorations in later stages. But the moonstones in the monasteries where the forest dwelling monks lived maintained the blank semi circular shape. The design of the moonstone has undergone many changes over time, But the moonstones show the highest level of creativity towards the end of the Anuradhapura Era. In most of the moonstones of Anuradhapura Era, the outer edge is designed with a ring of flames and below that is a ring filled with 4 types of animals – The elephant, the horse, the lion, and the bull chasing each other. Some moonstones show these beasts in their own semi circular band. The next is a semi circle of a creeper with a wavy stem with foliage (“liyawela”). Next is a line of swans with a twig of flower and a leaf on their mouth. Next is again a floral pattern and at the centre is lotus with petals all around the semi circle on the moonstone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Seb M. 5 years ago on Google
    Mainly just the moonstone here, but well worth paying visit if you're visiting the other temples. It's the best moonstone I saw across all of them.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SHAN 8 months ago on Google
    Sandakada Pahana is a descendant of the kingdom of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Sandakada Pahana used in ancient architecture. It's has been created to vary from kingdom to kingdom for a variety of reasons. Every historical place in Sri Lanka has a semi-circular stone slab at the foot of the stairs with an entrance. The Sandakada Pahana in front of the Bison Palace is considered to be the best Sandakada Pahana made during the Anuradhapura period. There are various opinions on the interpretation of the carvings. The best Sandakada Pahana of the Polonnaruwa period is the Sandakada Pahana at the north entrance of the Vatadage of the Temple of the Tooth in Polonnaruwa . The era of decline of the Moonstone began with the invasion of Sri Lanka. There is evidence that an invader took this antiquities out of our country. We have a great responsibility to preserve these great creations of the ancient Helas.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Uditha L. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the great artwork in anuradhapura.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tharindu P. 4 years ago on Google
    Another historical and marvelous creation of ancient Srilankan people. Which actually is considered as a one of the great monument. It is located adjacent to Samadhi Buddha Statue and The palace of 1st king Vijayabahu (1 වන විජයබාහු) .It is covered with a fence for it's protection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madurange L. 3 years ago on Google
    Best
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 prakash p. 3 years ago on Google
    Sandakada pahana, also known as Moonstone. This is a semi circular piece of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most buddhist buildings. the moonstone have 4 types of animals. such as: elephant, horse, lion and the bull chasing each other.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travel Sri l. 4 years ago on Google
    Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.[1][2][3] It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandy period. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism.Known in Sinhalese as sandakada pahana, it is roughly translated into English as moonstone. The name is based on its shape and design.[2] The ancient chronicle Mahavamsa and Pali literature such as the Samantapasadika refer to the sandakada pahana as patika.[4]The first sandakada pahanas were created during the latter stage of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They were only placed at entrances to Buddhist temples during this period.[5] The carvings of the semi circular stone slab were the same in every sandakada pahana. A half lotus was carved in the centre, which was enclosed by several concentric bands. The first band from the half lotus is decorated with a procession of swans, followed by a band with an intricate foliage design known as liyavel. The third band has carvings of four animals; elephants, lions, horses, and bulls. These four animals follow each other in a procession symbolizing the four stages in life: growth, energy, power and forbearance. The fourth and outermost band contains a carving of flames,[5] usually interpreted as representing a fire altar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Welgamp W. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the beautiful,Meaningful,historical stone work by the ancient Sri Lankans
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madhuka S. 4 years ago on Google
    The most quality Moonstone in Anuradhapura Era..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lashini D. 4 years ago on Google
    It is a kids friendly place. There is a small play graound, a cafetaria which allows dine in and take away. And also a supermarket. The car park is also grate and you can by all your groceries for a cheap price. The food are also grate and you can have a nice time here watching animals
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Darshana Electric Work D. 4 years ago on Google
    This is good place for kids..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chathura B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to visit.. excellent
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lahiru A. 4 years ago on Google
    Gajaba Zoo Located In Anuradapura District Facing Anuradapura - Jaffna Road At Near The Saliyapura Army Camp.The National Zoological Gardens can be visited from 6 am to 6 pm only for security reasons.This is a small zoo and the maintenance and service is done by the Sri Lanka Army Gajaba Regiment.There are no admission fees and there are water and sanitation facilities and catering.It is a great place to spend time with small children and sports facilities are considered for small children.Various species of animals can be seen here.Examples include birds, cattle, reptiles, and fish.There are also some endemic animal species in Sri Lanka.It is important to avoid such activities as feeding the animals and keeping them safe.Also, little children should not be allowed near animals.Most of these animals are wounded in the forest, treated, cared for, and lost.Although not all the amenities available in the forest, the facilities have been considered to the maximum possible extent.The park also has parking facilities for people who visit the zoo For this purpose a plot of land with several vehicles can be arranged.If you are walking along the road, go to the zoo and visit it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Giwantha D. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place &. There free
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 『G』『A』『M』『I』『N』『G』 �. 4 years ago on Google
    Animals live in
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 nelindu H. 5 years ago on Google
    It is very beautiful place to visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dinesh I. 5 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place anybody to enjoy, and after watching the Gajaba zoo there is a good place for refreshment, called Green park cafe. Highly recommend the place with five stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ishara R. 2 years ago on Google
    Anuradhapura moon stone ( සදකඩ පහණ) is kind of floor mat carved on a stone. Thia is in a queens palace located near to abhayagiriya stupa. One of the most artistic moon stone found in Anuradhapura era. Parking available at site. Was not crouded even in long weekend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunimal R. 5 years ago on Google
    One of the best preserved and richest with ancient craftsmanship Moon Stone in Anuradhapura era. Placed in front of a monastic residence. It’s believed that moon stone depicts life cycle and four eternal truths of Buddhism . Some people believed this place is the Palace of great King Mahasena but the structure is more towards clergy and it’s hard to believe such a mighty King ever lived a place like this.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amalraj A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Anuradhapura Moon Stone
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 IamOmkarD 2 years ago on Google
    It’s very well designed and articulately carved. It’s a magnificent place to spend time and study what the people from the past were capable of doing with limited technology
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Fathima 10 months ago on Google
    It is a great historical place to perceive with the details engraved in stone and the concept of the historical architecture during the ruling of kings and queens. However, it was a bit disappointing to see most of the history gone and with only little remaining. The highlight was indeed the Moonstone. Although it is not a rock placed in the middle of the land but a stone placed on the ground with carvings of animals is still a masterpiece. There is no ticket required to enter.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nadeesha R. 10 months ago on Google
    Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone) is a unique feature of the Sinhala architecture in ancient Sri Lanka which is usually found at the bottom of staircases and entrances. Sandakada Pahana is an intricately carved semi-circular slab made of stone. It consists of a half lotus carved in the center. This is followed by several bands, each carved with animals such as elephants, lions, horses and bulls. The four animals are said to represent the four noble truths in Buddhism or the four stages of life (birth, old age, disease and death).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sansa d. 4 months ago on Google
    Superior craftsmanship with the finest of details. One of a kind worldwide.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Navindra C. 5 years ago on Google
    Unbelievable craftsmanship. Depicts life journey to enlightenment.

  • 5/5 D.A.Lasantha F. 3 years ago on Google
    A wonderful artworks ..

  • 5/5 Nilumi P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very well preserved and the lady from the archeology department who was on duty gave us comprehensive information for free.

  • 5/5 Tessa L. 5 years ago on Google
    The craftsmanship of the stone is beautiful and it is full of meaning. Ask someone or look up a basic explanation so you know what you're seeing. Surrounded by ruins and a natural setting.

  • 5/5 Manel R. 3 years ago on Google
    The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period. The single band that was used to depict the four animals was removed, and processions of the elephant, lion and horse were depicted in separate bands. The most significant change is the removal of the bull from the sandakada pahana.[6] This was because in Hinduism the bull is considered as an auspicious animal and during this time of the history the influence of Hinduism was high in Sri Lanka. The Anuradhapura tradition of placing sandakada pahanas only at entrances to Buddhist temples also changed, and they are found at the entrances of other buildings belonging to the Polonnaruwa period as well. An invasion by Rajendra I in 1017 AD brought a large part of the country under the control of the Chola empire.[7][8] The country was under Chola rule until 1055 AD,[9] and the Sri Lankan culture was heavily influenced by South Indian customs and traditions, including the Hindu religion.[10] Historians believe that the reason for the removal of the bull from the sandakada pahana was because of its connection with Hinduism. The bull, the vehicle of the god Shiva, is a venerated animal in Hinduism, and therefore was removed from the sandakada pahana since it was a place where people tread upon.[6] The lion has also been omitted from some sandakada pahanas.[11] The best specimen of the sandakada pahanas of the Polonnaruwa period is at the northern entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Historians believe that the carvings of the sandakada pahana symbolise a religious meaning. The widely accepted interpretation is that of historian Senarath Paranavithana. According to Paranavitana, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra. The liyavel symbolise worldly desires (Taṇhā) and the lotus depicts the final achievement of Nirvana.[14] The elephant, bull, lion and horse depict birth, decay, disease and death respectively. As there is a myth saying that the swans are capable of separating milk from a mixture of water and milk, the swans symbolise the distinction between good and bad.[2]

  • 5/5 Ruwan C. 4 years ago on Google
    Sadakada Pahana, moon stone built by sinhalease architects, built at the entrance of the Buddhist shrine symbolise life cycle and Nirwana in Buddhist in Buddhist teaching

  • 5/5 Kasuri G. 3 years ago on Google
    💛

  • 3/5 jagath j. 3 years ago on Google
    Ancient ruins

  • 5/5 Chathura deepal S. 3 years ago on Google
    Moonstone

  • 5/5 Fran D. 3 years ago on Google
    Stunning place

  • 5/5 Ajith P. 3 years ago on Google
    You must visit this if you are going to Anuradhapura.

  • 4/5 J.F.TIRADOR 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful to see this Moonstone ... (Original) Prachtig om deze Maansteen te zien...

  • 5/5 Sumudu N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The farmer is covered (Original) Perani natabun

  • 5/5 Roshan D. 4 years ago on Google
    Ruined

  • 5/5 nuwan k. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent products of ancient sinhala people..

  • 5/5 channa j. 4 years ago on Google
    Most beautiful moonstone in Sri lanka

  • 5/5 Kalana E. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the greatest human making of all time..

  • 5/5 Amila N. 4 years ago on Google
    Parking space is available near to Moonstone ... less crowd

  • 5/5 Harry S. 4 years ago on Google
    A its a very thing to learn the excellence of stone craving in the era of Anuradhapura Sri Lanka.

  • 5/5 korale m. 4 years ago on Google
    Moonstone

  • 5/5 sameera m. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical place

  • 5/5 Aneesha F. 4 years ago on Google
    An amazing piece of art. An unique feature of ancient sinhalese art in Sri Lanka. Must visit

  • 5/5 Heriatage Lake V. 4 years ago on Google
    Moonstone is our traditional carving. Can understand about human beings and life.

  • 5/5 Thusitha J. 4 years ago on Google
    The magical stone carvings of old ceylon

  • 5/5 R. M. Nuwan C. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful and characteristic Sandakadapahana

  • 5/5 NEW W. 4 years ago on Google
    One of heritage place in Sri Lanka

  • 4/5 Sugata B. 4 years ago on Google
    Part of ruins of in Anuradhapura

  • 5/5 Krishantha L. 4 years ago on Google
    Fine craftsmanship is clearly seen there and patience the craftsmen have shown in carving is amazing.

  • 4/5 Chethila G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Built before entering the Ave House. The finished carvings are so delicate that you will not believe them until they see that it has been carved into a stone. (Original) ආවස ගෙයෙහි පිවිසීමට පෙර ඉදිකර ඇත. නිම කර ඇති කැටයම් කෙතරම් සියුම්ද යත්,,, එය ගලක නෙලා ඇති බව ඔබ දකින තුරු විශ්වාශ නොකරනු ඇත..

  • 5/5 Asela H. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent location

  • 4/5 Lithula fun V. 4 years ago on Google
    Only in Anuradhapura, good for the kids can enjoy...

  • 5/5 Dilan D. 5 years ago on Google
    Free service.. maintained by Sri Lankan army,Gajaba regiment.. Next to their welfare shop and dining cafeteria.. Fair price.. Good food.. Not much but few animals.. Suitable for kids..

  • 5/5 Tharindu J. 6 years ago on Google
    Lovely place to resting. Good for kids. Also u can take some foods from near restaurant, and supermarket. Toilet facilities available.

  • 4/5 Lanka W. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit with your kids in the evening. Has got a reasonable variety of animals including porcupines, ducks, Eagles, owls, deers, and bear. It is maintained by the SL army and entrance is free of charge. A near by cafeteria and a mini super market is found to enjoy a quick snack. Recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Paradige 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The first time I went with a beautiful animal. (Original) ලස්සන සත්තුවත්තක් මමත් පලවෙනි වතාවට ගියේ.

  • 3/5 Mahesh B. 4 years ago on Google
    Small but beautiful place in military camp...

  • 4/5 Beta DINUSHA G. 4 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 3/5 computer e. 4 years ago on Google
    good

  • 4/5 poornima s. 4 years ago on Google
    awesome 😂

  • 1/5 Nim A. 4 years ago on Google
    There are some animals in cages.they are not take good care.

  • 5/5 Supun S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Mahiyanganay A (Original) Mahiyanganay A

  • 4/5 Chanaka K. 5 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Shanaka L. 5 years ago on Google
    RHQ GR

  • 5/5 Ishani P. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice place to relax

  • 4/5 Afkar S. 5 years ago on Google
    Good place for kids.

  • 4/5 Madhuka P. 5 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 Indunil Andaramana O. 5 years ago on Google
    👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • 2/5 Theja Sri A. 5 years ago on Google
    Not a good zoo. Only few animals

  • 4/5 Sathyan M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great Place to chill out

  • 4/5 Nandimitthra L. 5 years ago on Google
    There are birds and animals

  • 5/5 Kokila C. 5 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 5/5 Binura J. 5 years ago on Google
    It's superb....nice place to enjoy with the family....

  • 5/5 Kumara G. 5 years ago on Google
    Good place to see animals

  • 5/5 suranjith d. 5 years ago on Google
    Good and calm place...

  • 5/5 ama dahara _අමා �. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good looking (Original) හොදයි ලස්සනයි

  • 4/5 Reshan S. 5 years ago on Google
    Well maintain place and good place to relax if you going to anuradhapura...

  • 5/5 Eranda P. 5 years ago on Google
    Very good place

  • 5/5 Samantha K. 5 years ago on Google
    Must see place in anuradhapura. Excellent craftsmanship of people. Its unbelievable the talents of our ancients. They have given life to the stones and its really great to see the historical monuments like this.

  • 5/5 Kavindu T. 1 year ago on Google
    This Pancavasa located in the Abayagiri Monastery in Anuradhapura, now commonly known as Biso Maligaya or the queen’s palace for no apparent reason is most famous for the moonstone found in the main flight of stairs on the center building. This moonstone is considered one of the best and most well-preserved moonstone in this era. This moonstone is believed to be belonging to the 7-8 th Centuries. A second moonstone with equal artistic quality can be found on an entrance to a building behind the Ratnaprasada. The outer edge is designed with a ring of flames and below that is a ring filled with 4 types of animals – The elephant, the horse, the lion, and the bull. The next is a circle of a floral pattern (“liyawela”). Next is a line of swans with a twig of flower and a leaf on their mouth. Next is again a floral pattern and at the center is lotus with petals all around the semi-circle on the moonstone The meanings of this combination of patterns are debated widely. One interpretation is that the out ring of fire represents the never-ending life and the pains associated with it. The four animals represent the four noble truths (“Chathurarya Sathya”) of Buddha. It is said that the swan can separate out milk from a mixture of water and milk. Therefore once a person realizes the four noble truths they can have the true understanding of good and bad. They are capable of filtering out the good just like the swan filters out milk. Once you do that you are capable of attaining the“Nibbana” represented by the lotus. Another interesting fact is that the bull in the moonstones was apparently dropped in the Polonnaruwa era (see Vatadage in Pollonnaruwa) . Moonstones in this era lack this symbol and sometimes the bull can be found on a higher pedestal on the sides of an entrance. This is thought to be the influence of Hindus. The bull is a sacred animal to the Hindus and trampling of this symbol was probably disrespectful.

  • 5/5 Bhagya H. 1 year ago on Google
    Sandakada Pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a unique feature of the It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period,

  • 5/5 Samudrika G. 1 year ago on Google
    Sandakada Pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a unique feature of the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.

  • 4/5 Mahendra Lalith W. 1 year ago on Google
    When you come to see this Moonstone (Sandakada pahana) don't forget to go to see the Moonstone 2 near by this. It is located behind the Rathna Prasada Gard Stone (Muragala) whis is same as the Sandakada Pahana1. There is a name board which is hard to read and go on foot path about 200 meters from that board.

  • 5/5 Hansani E. 10 months ago on Google
    The Moonstone is an intricately designed semi-circular stone slab that can be found in ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries in Sri Lanka. One of the key features of the Moonstone is the depiction of animals in its design. Typically, the outermost layer of the Moonstone's design features a band of flames, which symbolize the cycle of birth and rebirth. The next layer typically depicts a ring of swans, which represent purity and grace. The third layer of the Moonstone's design often features a ring of lions or elephants, which symbolize power and strength. The fourth layer typically features a ring of bulls or horses, which represent fertility and abundance. Finally, the innermost layer of the Moonstone's design often depicts a lotus flower, which represents enlightenment. Overall, the animals depicted in the Moonstone's design are meant to represent different aspects of life and the Buddhist concept of rebirth. Visitors to ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries in Sri Lanka can marvel at the intricate design of the Moonstone and contemplate the deeper meanings behind its depictions of animals.

  • 5/5 sankalpa a. 6 months ago on Google
    The Sandakada Pahana at Anuradhapura is a beautiful and intricate piece of architecture. It is believed to have been built in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura kingdom, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of its kind. I visited the Sandakada Pahana during the weekend, and I there was no rush. I was able to take my time and appreciate the details of the carving. I would definitely recommend visiting the Sandakada Pahana if you are interested in ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

  • 5/5 Ruwan j. 5 months ago on Google
    One of the best stone carving creation. Those Carving symbols having definitions related with Buddhist teachings


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