Dedicated to the deity Saman, the Maha Saman Dewalaya has a rich history. The shrine is believed to have been built in the 13th century, destroyed and replaced with a church by the Portuguese in 1618, and rebuilt by King Rajasinghe II in the 18th century. The temple has two platforms and a three-storied structure known as the palace beyond the platform. The shrine is known for its annual procession, the Esala Perahara, held from August - September. The Perahara lasts 13 days and is accompanied by elephant shows and dance performances.