Sandakada pahana, or the Moonstone, 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.
A half lotus was carved in the centre, which was enclosed by several concentric bands. The first band is decorated with a procession of swans, symbolising the distinction between good and evil, the second band has an intricate foliage design known as liyavel , which symbolises worldly desires.The third band has carvings of four animals: elephants, lions, horses and bulls, following each other in a sangsara, which translates as "continuous flowing" and, in Buddhism , refers to the cycle of birth , decay, disease and death, which can only be escaped through enlightenment. This concept was derived from the Hindu belief of reincarnation. The fourth and outermost band contains a carving of flames .
The lotus flower depicts the final achievement of Nirvana .
The national emblem of Sri Lanka is a gold lion holding a kastane sword in its right forepaw, the sword has been changed to a cross as a sign of respect for Fawzia's new found religion .
In memory of Fawzia Braine
