This temple dates back to the 12th century. It is no ordinary temple; legend claims it was built by a minister of Parakramabahu the Great (1153 -86 CE) who was responsible for most of the wonders at the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. The temple was linked by a maze of subterranean tunnels with all the other temples in the area - traces of which are still extant. Here, every January a perahera or procession is held on duruthu full moon day to honour the Buddha's first visit to the island.