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The Nagaraja guard-stone during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods

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dc.contributor.author Rathnasiri, R.
dc.date.accessioned 2016-10-19T09:19:16Z
dc.date.available 2016-10-19T09:19:16Z
dc.date.issued 2016
dc.identifier.citation Rathnasiri, R. 2016. The Nagaraja guard-stone during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods. 2nd International Conference on the Humanities (ICH 2016), 06th - 07th October, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. en_US
dc.identifier.uri http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14628
dc.description.abstract The purpose of this abstract is to denote Nagarja guard stone, a symbol of God Vishnu. Although the common name is Nagaraja as it is created with a cobra and a royal figure, critics have not come to a final decision of its concept, symbol or task so far. Nagaraja guard stone was a very popular sight that appeared at the entrances of Buddhist buildings during the Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa periods. This creation can be seen at the temples in capital city of the kingdoms, neighboring monasteries and the temples of provincial centers. But it was not included in non-Buddhist places like Palaces, Hindu temples, courts, tanks and ponds. We can see a close relationship between the figure of the guard stone and the concept of god Vishnu. According to the Mahawnsha, god Vishnu is the guardian of Lankaddveepa (Sri Lanka) as well as Buddhism. It is also present in Buddhist beliefs and God Vishnu is known in different Names such as Upulwan, Uthpalawarna, Udakapathi, Varuna, Vasu,Vasuki, Vasudeewa, Vasuladaththa, Anantha and known to have a close relationship with water. Among them, the figure of cobra is included in Vasu, Vasuki, Vasudeewa, Vasuladaththa and Anantha. There is a similarity between the Vasuki legends and anantha who protected Mahameeru and Vasuladaththa who protected the relics at Ruwanwelisaya. God Vishnu is known as Vasudeevo in the hymns for Vishnu, and also among the rulers of dashadig (ten directions), god Vishnu represents down (land). We can prove that the guard stone is a concept of Vishnu by installing the guard stone in connection with land, making compulsory for Buddhist architectural elements, having a close relationship with both Hindu and Buddhist stories and comparing the features of Vishnu with other characters. Archeological facts and primary and secondary literary sources have been used in this study. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka en_US
dc.subject Nagaraja en_US
dc.subject Guard stone en_US
dc.subject Vishnu en_US
dc.subject Vasu en_US
dc.subject Vasuki en_US
dc.subject Varuna en_US
dc.subject Upulwan en_US
dc.subject Anantha en_US
dc.title The Nagaraja guard-stone during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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