The Embakke devalaya was built during AD 1357 – 1374 by a King Vikramabahu to worship the god by the name of Katharagama Deviyo. The significance of this devalaya is the wooden carvings on the pillars and also on the roof. It is said that each of the carvings is unique and includes over 130 different variations.

The wooden carvings denote the strength of the king’s army, the culture, religious beliefs and also the prestigious status of the kingdom.