Muragala: The Guardian Stones of Ancient Sri Lanka
What is a Muragala?
The Muragala, or
Guardstone, is a pair of stone slabs placed at the base of staircases leading
to temples or other sacred sites. These stones were not merely decorative but
also served symbolic and protective purposes. Over time, they evolved from
simple wooden planks to intricately carved stone masterpieces, reflecting the
cultural and religious influences of their time.
The Evolution of the Muragala
The evolution of
the Muragala is closely tied to the development of the Sandakada
Pahana (Moonstone). According to Charles Godakumbura,
a renowned Commissioner of Archaeology in Ceylon, the Muragala underwent five
distinct phases of evolution:
1.
Wooden Planks – The earliest
Muragala were made of valuable wood, serving as stop wedges at the lower end of
railings or balustrades.
2.
Plain Stone Slabs – Over time, wood
was replaced with more durable stone slabs, marking the beginning of their
transformation into permanent architectural features.
3. Pūrṇaghaṭa Motifs – The next phase saw the introduction of carvings, starting with the pūrṇaghaṭa (vessel of abundance) motif, initially incised and later rendered in low or high relief.
4.
Dwarf Figures – During the middle
and latter periods of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, carvings of dwarves, such
as Śańkha and Padma (attendants
of Kuvera, the God of Wealth), or bhūtas (protective
spirits), became common.
5.
Nāgarājas (Snake Gods) – The
final and most elaborate phase featured carvings of anthropomorphic nāgarājas (snake
gods), which became prominent during the latter stages of the Anuradhapura
Kingdom and the subsequent Polonnaruwa period.
Interestingly,
these phases were not strictly consecutive but often overlapped, with more
evolved designs sometimes appearing alongside simpler ones.
Historical Significance
Anuradhapura
Kingdom
The earliest
Muragala date back to the 1st century A.D., during the
early Anuradhapura Kingdom. Initially, they were simple wooden planks, but as
architecture advanced, stone became the preferred material due to its
durability. By the 2nd to 6th centuries A.D., carvings of
dwarves and pūrṇaghaṭa motifs began to appear, reflecting the artistic and
spiritual trends of the time.
During the 7th
to 11th centuries A.D., the Muragala reached their peak in terms of
craftsmanship and symbolism. The carvings of nāgarājas (snake
gods) became a defining feature, symbolizing protection and prosperity. These
elaborately carved Guardstones are commonly found in important monastic
buildings at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Symbolism and Purpose
While some
archaeologists believe that Muragala served primarily as decorative elements,
their placement, and carvings suggest deeper symbolic meanings:
·
Protection: The figures of
dwarves and nāgarājas were believed to guard the sacred sites from evil spirits
and negative energies.
·
Prosperity: The pūrṇaghaṭa
motif, representing abundance, symbolizes wealth and good fortune.
·
Spiritual Significance: The
nāgarājas, associated with water and fertility, were seen as protectors of life
and prosperity.
Notable Examples
1.
Anuradhapura Period – Guardstones
featuring nāgarājas can be found in the monastic complexes of Anuradhapura,
showcasing the pinnacle of their artistic evolution.
2.
Polonnaruwa Period – The Muragala
at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage are excellent examples
of the intricate carvings and symbolic designs from this era.
Artistic and Cultural Legacy
The Muragala are a
testament to the skill and creativity of ancient Sri Lankan artisans. Their
evolution from simple wooden planks to elaborately carved stone slabs reflects
the cultural and religious developments of the time. Today, they stand as
enduring symbols of Sri Lanka's rich architectural heritage and spiritual
traditions.
Conclusion
The Muragala, or
Guardstones, are more than just architectural features; they are guardians of
history, spirituality, and artistry. From their humble beginnings as wooden
planks to their transformation into intricately carved stone masterpieces, the
Muragala offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious life of ancient Sri
Lanka.
Next time you
visit an ancient temple or sacred site in Sri Lanka, take a moment to
appreciate the Muragala – these silent sentinels that have stood the test of
time, protecting and preserving the spiritual essence of the island.
Have you encountered Muragala during your travels? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
THE
AUTHOR BY: I.D.M.V.B.ILANGANTHILAKA
https://www.youtube.com/@StellarPath0722
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