The ruins of Lovamahapaya are located to the east between Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya. There are 1600 pillars in 40 rows with 4 pillars in each row. This is considered the Chapter House of the Maha Vihara.
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King Dewanampiyathissa built a Chapter House for the monks to recite the Pathimokka once in half a month, and King Dutugemunu made it nine storeys and had copper metal roofs. There are 100 booths on each floor.
It is said that at that time Lovamahapaya was seen by those living in Dimbulagala near Kasathota, a distance of nine yoduns from Anuradhapura and one of yoduns in the sea to the west.
During the reign of King Saddhathissa, a lamp was turned over and it was reduced to seven floors due to fire. During the reign of King Sirinatha 2 [ 246- 247] it was also built on five floor due to fire. King Kithsirimevan [ 301-328] repaired it as it was also damaged during the reign of King Mahasen. The renovations have continued and the last ruins of the 12th century have been restored by King Mahaparakramabhahu. It is said that an inscription found in the compound of the Ruwanweli stupa stated that the treasury of the Maha Vihara was on the ground floor of Lowamahapaya.
