Mahapali Alms Hall
Within the over 1/4-acre-large ruins of Mahapali Alms Hall are large granite pillars where a large edifice once stood and a granite rice trough. The deep well, which would have provided water to the alms hall, is one of the principal features. The square well's edge is surrounded by steps made of granite and bricks that you can use to descend into the water.
According to legend, King Devanampiyatissa constructed the Mahapali Hall in the third century BC.
According to Chinese traveler monk Daien Thero, this location has given meals to between 5,000 and 6,000 city residents. Similar to this, the Chinese traveler monk Huensan Thero stated that around 800 monks received alms from a kitchen constructed closer to the king's home. The kings who believed it was their responsibility to give the monks alms restored the alms hall at later times. King Udaya 11 and the Southern Indian Chola invasions that took place between 816 and 831 AD both destroyed this hall.
According to legend, King Devanampiyatissa constructed the Mahapali Hall in the third century BC.
According to Chinese traveler monk Daien Thero, this location has given meals to between 5,000 and 6,000 city residents. Similar to this, the Chinese traveler monk Huensan Thero stated that around 800 monks received alms from a kitchen constructed closer to the king's home. The kings who believed it was their responsibility to give the monks alms restored the alms hall at later times. King Udaya 11 and the Southern Indian Chola invasions that took place between 816 and 831 AD both destroyed this hall.
