 It is believed that it took six years for the construction of the building and the plan was brought from the heavens.The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.Whilst the Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya and Ruwanwelisaya were taller structures, the Lovamahapaya remained the tallest building of the island for over a millennium between 155BC and 993AD.