It is mentioned in the great chronicle Mahavamsa that this Dagoba located North of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree had been constructed by King Dutugemunu. The Dagoba is referred to as  Ratnamali, Mahaseya, Svarnamali and Ruvanveli in books of literature. It is termed Mahastupa as it enshrines a Drona of Buddha’s relics. Thera Mahinda had revealed that the Buddha had used this spot for  his personal needs.  .

The Mahavihara complex encompasses a host of remnants of monuments including the ruins of Ransimalaka,Catussala, Jantaghara Pond, Kuccatissa Dagoba and Pancavasa Piriven.