Ancient Sri Lanka All important buildings were symbolically protected by guardian deities. The Guard Stones able to see traditional entrance of the temples, living quarters, venerable and semi venerable places.  All traditional entrance consists of Moon Ston, Guard Ston, Balustrade, Flight of steps. In Anuradhapura chapter house of the Abayagiriya remain well preserved Guard Ston. This Guard stone known as a masterpiece of the work.

The evolution of the Guard Ston is closely linked of the Moon Ston. Upright vertical slabs flanking lower end of flight of steps known as ‘Guard Stone’ Earlier guard stone are plain but mostly carved with images of guardian figures, in the later periods.

Most common Hindu figure ‘King Cobra’ is the major character, contain seven faces.

 They were adorned in decorated paraphernalia with intricate carvings which shown

small details even.

He carries full water pot with lotus in one hand represent abundance In the other hand he carries a flowery twig to denote the fortune. Buddhist guardian figures are often represented by animal vehicles.

This may be due to Hindu influence.