Thanjanthanna Mangara Devalaya

About 22 km from Balangoda along the Kalthota road, on the left side of the route within the Thanjanthanna temple grounds, lies the Mangara Devalaya. Mangara Deviyo is considered a regional deity especially revered in Ruhuna and Bimthanna areas. The deity is highly respected by forest dwellers, and its worship is believed to protect cattle and agricultural resources, essential for the livelihood of farmers. Devotees seek blessings for the welfare of cattle, livestock, and general prosperity. Research indicates that Mangara Deviyo represents a Bodhi animal praying for the future Buddha. According to legend, during its thirteenth birth, Mangara Deviyo was born as Budasirū to the royal family in Maya country, because the royal couple was childless. The rituals offered to Biswa Deviyo thereafter commemorate this birth. According to traditional practices, at age 19, Budasirū dies due to a ritual involving cattle, and its divine spirit reincarnates. This divine spirit, now known as Mangara Deviyo, became widely worshipped among the people.