Muragala or Muru Gal, also known as a guardstone, are a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.The muragala is a set of twin oblong slabs of stone, with a rounded top, located at the foot of the flight of steps, leading to a place of worship, situated on a higher elevation.

Muragala or muru gal, also known as a guardstone, are a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. The muragala is a set of twin oblong slabs of stone, with a rounded top, located at the foot of the flight of steps, leading to a place of worship, situated on a higher elevation. The evolution of the muragala is closely linked to the evolution of the Sandakada pahana (or moonstone). Charles Godakumbura, the Commissioner of Archaeology in Ceylon from 1956 to 1967, described the evolution of the muragala from its origins as a painted wooden plank or a stone terminal slab, serving as a stop wedge at the lower end of a slanting rail or balustrade (korawakgala) through to its final form as an elaborate carved stone.

This Guardstone (Muragala) at the inner entrance to the Rathana Prasadaya is considered as the best Guard Stone carvings in the Anuradhapura Era as well as the best Guard Stone found in Sri Lanka.

The guardstone or “muragala” were one of an association of three aspects of sculpture that adorned the entrance to buildings in ancient times, the other two being the moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and balustrade (Korawak Gala) . The guardstones, which provided a support to the heavy stone balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant of prosperity and protection.

Another historical site that is close to the Moonstone. The layout of the architecture is still well kept, but most of the build is gone. It is incredibly beautiful to see the carefully carved stones, especially on the staircase.

Very nice. Great creation by ancient srlankan ancestors

This was the best guard stone found in srilanka and the best stone carving.

Muragala, also known as Guardstones. Which provided a support to the heavy stone balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant of prosperity and protection. Now, many people visit here to see the historical place.

This is the most well preserved guard stone (muragala) (Anuradhapura era) in Sri Lanka. It’s placed in front of the Rathna Prasadaya which was the uposathagara (house of discipline) of the Abhagari monastic monks. Well carved from a natural granite stone.

Very well preserved. Impressive considering the times when it's been carved.