Sakwala Chakraya and Cosmological Templates in Buddhist Architecture

Orapin Riyaprao1,2*, Korakamon Sriboonrueang1, Wasanthi Dissanayake3, Hedwi Prihatmoko4, Dewangga Eka Mahardian4, Hari Setyawan5, and Cherdsak Saelee6

During an archaeoastronomical expedition to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the petroglyph of Sakwala Chakraya was found to reveal a complex cosmological design. At its centre are seven concentric circles, which may represent the Sattaparibhanda encircling Mount Meru. The small circles marked with crosses may indicate the positions of roof supports, while the aquatic animal figures along the outer rim could symbolise the great Sidantara Ocean surrounding the cosmos. It is possible that this petroglyph was intended as a prescription for a temple plan that reflects Buddhist cosmology. We propose that Sakwala Chakraya represents the layout of Thuparamaya in Anuradhapura. Thuparamaya, the first Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka, may have been influenced by the Great Stupa at Sanchi—the world's earliest stupa built to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, constructed under King Ashoka the Great (c.304-232 BCE) of India. The layout of the Great Stupa exhibits key concepts of Buddhist cosmology. Similar examples of this tradition can be found at Vatadage in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun, Thailand, and Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia. In addition to guiding temple layouts, such cosmological representations also appear in mural paintings, the Traibhumikatha manuscripts, and numerous inscriptions.