Lovamahapaya

Is situated between Ruvanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya. In ancient times the building included the refectory and the uposathagara. As the roof was covered with tiles made of bronze, this was known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. There are 40 rows, each row consists of 40 stone pillars and a total of 1600 stone pillars were used for the building. The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.

In 150 BC, Great King Dutugemunu built this beautiful nine-storey building as the monk’s residence for the Mahaviharaya Buddhist University.

Each floor had apartments. First floor was for the student monks. Second floor was for the monks who knew Tripitakaya. 3rd, 4th and 5th floors were for the monks who had achieved Sovan, Sakurdagami and An Amiga states. Top four floors were for the monks who had reached the state of Arahath.

Altogether Lova Maha Paya accommodated over 3000 monks at any given time.

British archaeologists were puzzled as to why such a beautiful palace was built for the students engaged in religious activities. It was the Sinhalese way to build some of the most beautiful buildings at religious places. It was intended as an attraction to the would-be-monks. Sinhalese made sure that those who remain in the monk hood were the ones who  had chosen the path for inner peace, after experiencing the ultimate luxuries of life. The student monks would realize the impermanence of things when surrounded by the ultimate beauty and luxuries. This helped those who wanted the luxuries of life to leave the monk hood and live a material life.