against king Elara. After his victory, king Dutugemunu build the temple and dedicated it to God Kataragama. He also appointed the officials to look after the devalaya. The building of the Kataragama temple is a simple structure with two apartments and it has not undergone any major structural alterations after its construction. It is a quadrangular building that is set in the middle of the large complex with outer walls of the temple premises have recurring and adorning figures of peacocks and elephants. Next to the main temple are the temples dedicated to God Vishnu and God Ganesha. Another temple which is situated right to the Kataragama devalaya is dedicated to the goddess Thevani, a divine consort of God Kataragama. The Kiri Vehera, an ancient Buddhist stupa is situated in close proximity to the Kataragama temple. This religious structure probably dates back to the sixth century BC. The Bo tree which is situated behind the Kataragama temple is one of the eight saplings (Ashta Phala Ruhu Bodhi) of Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradapura, Sri Lanka. This sacred tree has been planted in the third century BC. The Kiri Vehera Stupa is said to have been built by King Mahasen of the kingdom of Ruhuna, in the exact spot where the king met Buddha on his third and last visit to the island and listened to the sermon delivered by Buddha. Esala festival The main event that is held to pay homage to Kataragama deviyo is the annual Esala Festival held at Kataragama in July or August. The traditional rituals of the annual Kataragama Esala festival starts with traditional Kap Sitaweema ceremony that take place at an auspicious time after the conclusion of Poson Poya day. Kap situweema is the installation of a sanctified log known as kapa at the premises of the temple. Devotees after having a bath in Menik Ganga (a river flowing near to the Kataragama temple) dressed in clean white clothes, walk across to the temple bearing offerings of flowers and fruit to the god, expect to obtain blessings to begin the Esala festival. Kataragama Esala Perehera is the most spectacular event of the annual Esala festival, which is held in the nights of festive season. A procession (perehera) with traditional dancers, kawadi dancers, drummers, fire walkers, elephants and many other religious rituals, it is known as one of the most elegant historical cultural pageants in Sri