Built for the Goddess Valli, the Valli Amma Devalaya is believed to predate the Sinhalese race, being an ancient deity worshipped by the aboriginal tribe that existed before the arrival of Prince Vijaya. No written records exist on the origin of the devalaya, but many explorers believe that the devalaya was created at the same time as the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya.

In a tradition unbroken since old, the Tamils who arrive on pilgrimage to Kataragama first worship Valli Amma.