The five great temples can be introduced as a symbol of the cultural and religious pride of the beautiful Bentota town. The history of this place dates back to the days of the past kings, and it is mentioned in the books that the beginning of these temples took place during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa. Bemtota Rajamaha Vihara near Udukotuwa Bodhi, Bemthota Vanavasa Rajamaha Vihara, Bemthota Bodhimalwa Rajamaha Vihara, Bemthota Galapata Rajamaha Vihara and Bemthota Gane Purana Rajamaha Vihara are the five great temples. There is evidence that there was a large tunnel connecting the five great temples. Parts of it can also be seen in the present.
In the past, this area was known as Bemthota, but nowadays it is used as Benthota.