The Mahasen Maha Devalaya, located at the left corner of the Kirivehera Stupa, is a historical monument connected with the Kirivehera Raja Maha Viharaya and the Kshatriya kingdom of Kataragama, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

According to popular belief, the number of devotees visiting this sacred site continues to grow daily, since any sincere request made at the temple through the prescribed rituals is believed to be fulfilled.
                  This small temple was built to house a stone statue of the Bodhisattva-like Kshatriya ruler Mahaghosha, who later became the object of worship by the people as Mahasena or the Great God of Kataragama. He was considered a deity by the people from a very early period after hearing the Dhamma from the Buddha and attaining enlightenment. The statue was found during excavations in the Kirivehera Seya courtyard.