Moonstone at Anuradhapura Pancavasa (Biso Maligawa)

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This Pancavasa, situated within the boundaries of the of historic Abhayagiri Monastery in Anuradhapura, is today popularly referred to as Biso Maligaya or the Queen’s Palace—though the reason for this name remains unclear. Its greatest attraction is the exquisite moonstone located at the main flight of stairs of the central building. This masterpiece is regarded as one of the finest and most well-preserved moonstones of its era, believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century.

Another moonstone of similar artistic brilliance can be found at the entrance of a structure called Mahasen Maligaya behind the Ratnaprasada.

The moonstone’s design is a marvel of symbolism and craftsmanship. The outermost band features a ring of flames, followed by a band depicting four animals—the elephant, horse, lion, and bull. Next comes a delicate floral motif (liyawela), then a procession of swans, each carrying a twig with flowers and leaves. Another floral band follows, culminating in a central lotus blossom, its petals radiating gracefully across the semicircular stone.

The meaning behind these intricate patterns has been widely debated. One interpretation suggests that the ring of flames represents the endless cycle of life and its inherent suffering. The four animals symbolize the Four Noble Truths (Chathurarya Sathya) of Buddhism. The swan, believed to separate milk from water, signifies the wisdom to discern good from evil—achieved upon realizing these truths. This ultimate understanding leads to Nibbana, represented by the lotus at the center.

An intriguing historical note: the bull motif disappeared from moonstones during the Polonnaruwa period (as seen in the Vatadage at Polonnaruwa). In later designs, the bull was sometimes placed on a higher pedestal beside entrances. Scholars attribute this change to Hindu influence, as the bull is sacred in Hinduism, and stepping on its image was likely considered disrespectful.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Fine carvings of Bahirawa figures at the steps of the entrance of the main building of the Panchvasa

A Carving at the entrance of the main building of the Panchvasa

One of the four associated residential units on one corner

References

Senevirathne, A. (1994) Ancient Anuradhapura: The Monastic City. Colombo: Archaeological Survey Department.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Moonstone of Ancient Sri Lanka

Map of Moonstone at Pancavasa (Biso Maligawa)

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Driving Directions to Anuradhapura Moonstone at Pancavasa (Biso Maligawa)

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps