This is the oldest building in Kandy constructed by King Wickramabahu III (1357-1375) of Gampola.

The shrine of Natha or Avalokiteswara is a Gedige style, with South Indian influence in its architecture.

Two stupas in the premises and a sapling of the Sacred Bo Tree are found in the premises. Some Archaeologists believe that the Sacred Bowl Relic of the Buddha may be enshrined in one of them.