Named after Lord Ganesh, the Ganesh Temple in Sella Kataragama is located on the waters of the Menik River. Although the Menik River is prone to flooding, the temple has never been affected, a feat attributed to the blessings of Ganesh.

Legend has it that Sella Kataragama is the romantic spot where the God Skanda and Valli Amma had spent time with each other. God Ganesh is also supposed to have appeared in Sella Kataragama, where the temple dedicated to the god was later built.