The temple is traditionally regarded as the site of Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, nine months after his Enlightenment.

According to the ancient chronicle, the Buddha arrived in Mahiyanganaya on a Duruthu Full Moon Poya day to resolve a conflict between the Yakkha and Naga tribes.

After establishing peace and delivering a discourse, the Buddha presented a handful of his hair relic to the local chieftain Sumana Saman, who enshrined it in a golden chethiya.

The Mahiyangana Stupa, built over the sacred relic, is considered the first stupa in Sri Lanka and was expanded and renovated by successive kings over the centuries.