Kataragama deviyo is a deity known as Subramanya or Subramanium who was sent to Sri Lanka by Gautama Buddha before his visits to the island. During one of his visits to Sri Lanka, Buddha visited Kataragama area and delivered a discourse of Dhamma to the local people. Local residents were also advised to stop animal sacrifices widely practiced by them in that period. Buddha instructed the deity to reside in Sri Lanka and help the people when required, specially in their difficulties. Wedahitikanda, a mountain in the area was selected as the place to stay for the deity. Thereafter the locals in Kataragama built a Buddhalaya (a shrine for Buddha) and a Devalaya (a shrine for Subrahmanya) to pay homage. Another belief about God Kataragama is that King Mahasen of the Kingdom of Ruhuna later came to be worshiped as a deity. King Mahasen is believed to have built the Kiri Vehera Buddhist Stupa in Kataragama in the 6th century BC, after listening to the discourse of Dhamma delivered by Buddha. In the Sinhalese tradition and culture local kings, rulers and ancestors who did a great service to the country or community were ordained as deities. Some of these deities are called as Bandara Devatha. They are respected and worshiped by certain villages and districts in Sri Lanka. Lot of Bandara Devathas are working under the Kataragama God. It is believed that the present spiritual residence of Kataragama deviyo lies in the jungles of south eastern Sri Lanka, where he is spending his time in meditation. The area known as Kebiliththa, located in the Yala National Park is one such location where devotees visit, after practicing strict religious rituals such as vegetarianism and abstinence to get the blessings of the god. However, it is believed that Kataragama deviyo visits the Kataragama temple on special occasions, such as Eslala festival days and poya days. Hence a minister of God Kataragama known as Kadawara deviyo, is believed to be the present guardian of the Kataragama temple. Kataragama devalaya According to legends, the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya was built by king Dutugemunu around 160 B.C. as a fulfillment of a vow made before undertaking his successful military campaign against the Chola invader king Elara who was occupying the then Sri Lankan capital at Anuradhapura. It is said that king Dutugemunu had obtained the blessings and guidance of God Kataragama to undertake his expedition