 Buddhists believe that this site has been visited by Gautama Buddha, and it is regarded as one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred places in the country.On the 8th year after attaining the Enlightenment, the Lord Buddha made His 3rd visit to Kelaniya on the invitation by a king of Naga people named "Maniakkitha".During this visit, a local chieftain named "Indaka" invited Lord Buddha to visit his place in Badulla.