156 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



sacred birds, usually represented by geese, sometimes by conven- 

 tional representations of birds. 



Near the stone window placed on the floor is a Yantra-gala. When 

 such stones were first discovered they were the subject of much 

 speculation, and by some were called Yogi or Meditation Stones. It 

 was supposed that priests gazed at them until they fell into a deep 

 state of meditation. It is probable that this suggestion is incorrect, 

 and that such stones did not serve as kasinas for ascetic meditation, 

 but were essentially used as talismans against demoniac influence. 

 They are intended to rout the demons of disease, danger, and death. 

 These partitioned stones are closely connected with the innate 

 dread of " the powers of evil," and faith in the efficacy of propi- 

 tiating them by mystical rites. These stones were laid do'wn within 

 shrines, below the floor, and were covered with a slab upon which 

 rested the dsanaya, or pedestal, of the image or other object of 

 worship. These square " mystic stones " with twenty-five parti- 

 tions have been found at vihares and other ruins in Anuradhapura 

 and elsewhere. 



Against the West Wall is a cast of the gigantic statue said to be 

 that of Parakrama Bahu the Great at Polonnaruwa. Some beheve 

 this colossal figure to be a Tamil saint. This is said to be proved 

 by the absence of jewellery, the simple dress, and the matted locks. 

 There is no reason to suppose that Parakrama Bahu ever became 

 a monk. The original figure stands overlooking the great Topavewa 

 tank at Polonnaruwa. If the figure does not represent the Great 

 Parakrama it must have been done during his time (twelfth century). 

 It is considered a very noble work. Very simply clad, the great sage 

 stands easily, as it were against the rock of which the figure is still 

 a part, reading from a palm-leaf manuscript. 



It is not possible to describe the many exhibits m the Stone Gallery, 

 but, besides those already mentioned, the visitor's attention is 

 invited to the cast of a Processional Moonstone from Anuradhapura 

 below the south window, the lotus-stem Capitals and Pillars, the 

 figure of the Goddess Kali, the Guard Stones (janitors), and the 

 Naga or Cobra Stones. " Moonstones " are found at the base of 

 the steps at the entrance to temples. They are generally of beautiful 

 design and execution, and are characteristic of Sinhalese Buddhist 

 architecture. In the cast in the Stone Gallery there is a central 

 lotus flower surrounded by concentric processions of hansas and 

 other animals. The animals shown on " moonstones " are represen- 

 tative of the four- points of the compass. Mr. H. C. P. Bell has 

 inferred that these moonstones are equivalent of the old formula of 

 dedication to the priests of the four quarters. 



" The lotus is to Oriental art all that the rose was to mediaeval 

 Enghsh art." The illustrations of the lotus pillars wiU draw 

 attention to the beautiful specimens exhibited. (See Plates III. 

 and IV.) 



The Guardian Deities (or dwarpal) are always in high relief and 

 generaUy have grotesque supporters at the feet. These janitors 

 are erected on each side of the steps at the entrance of Buddhist 

 buildings. (See Plate IV.) 



Several Naga-gal (cobra stones) will be seen hi this room. They 

 are supposed to have been guards, whose function it was to prevent 

 the approach of evil spirits. (See Plate IV.) 



In order more especially to draw attention to the age of some of 

 the exhibits not here gone into in detail, the pillar from Thuparama 



