King Dutugemunu built the Maha Thupa and before he could complete he fell ill and knew that he would not be able to complete it. He asked his brother Saddahatissa to complete before his death and in order to satisfy the King, he covered the entire Dagoba with white cloth and informed the King that he had completed the dagoba. King Dutugemunu went and saw the dagoba (covered with white cloths) completed by his brother and is said to have died there.

It is in the Bubble shape.

Today, after 1940 repairs the Dagoba is 350 feet in height and 300 feet in diameter.