Lovamahapaya

Lovamahapaya

Lovamahapaya is known as Brazen Palace or Lohaprasada is situated in Anuradhapura. It is a set of ruins of hundreds of stone pillars. These lie between Ruvanvelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura. It is believed that this is the location once a huge nine-storied monastic structure was installed.

About the destination

Lovamahapaya is believed to have included a refectory, assembly hall, and a chapter house. It is stated that the roof was covered in bronze tiles thus giving it the name “Brazen palace”. It is believed that the structure had 400 foot long sides and was supported by 40 rows of 40 stone pillars which totaled up to 1600 pillars. Most of them are standing up to date.

History of the location

The Brazen Palace is said to have been a stunning detailed and jeweled structure that filled eyes with its glamour. The exact building of Lovamahapaya was long destroyed during the time of King Sadhatissa. The building that now stands is a modern chapter house that is currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order.

Later in the years’ King Mahasena demolished Lovamahapaya and gave the material to the Abhayagiri Viharaya due to a conflict with the monks in the Mahavihara. Then his son Sirimeghavanna rebuild this mansion but it was destroyed by the Pandyans from South India who invaded Anuradhapura in the 9th century. King Sena rebuilt this place once again to be destroyed by the Cholas from India.

Finally King Parakramabahu the great rebuilt this place partly by raising just the 1600 pillars. This is what is present up to date.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road. Continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and take the Ja-Ela exit. Turn left onto Ja Ela-Ekala Highway and turn right onto Kurunegala Road. Turn left at Kalugamuwa Junction onto Kalugamuwa-Wariyapola Road then go straight past Kurunegala Junction onto Mihindu Mawatha and after 900 meters the destination will be on your left.

From Anuradhapura

Go on Sangabo Mawatha and turn left onto D S Senanayake Mawatha. Turn right onto  Puttalam- Trincomalee Highway and turn right at Kurunegala Junction onto Mihindu Mawatha and after 900 meters the destination will be on your left.