King Rama I built the Dusi Maha Prasat as the replacement for earlier wooden Phra Thinang Amarintharapisek Maha Prasat, which burned down in 1790.

King Rama I intended that the present building be used for his own Lying-in-State, as it has the same height and dimensions as Phra Thinang Suriyamarin Ayutthaya, the customary Hall for Lying-in-State of Ayutthaya Kings.

Thus the principle function of Dusit Maha Prasat has been and still is the hall for Lying-in-State of Kings, queens and honored members of the royal family.

This hall is also used for the annual Consecration Day Ceremony (Phra Ratcha Phithi Chat Mongkhon).

It houses many important objects.