Kirivehera, belonging to Kirivehera Raja Maha Vihara, was damaged extensively when a person set himself on fire inside the temple to commit suicide, on Sunday.
Devotees and custodians of Kataragama Maha Devalaya put out the fire with the help of a water bowser belonging to Kataragama Maha Devalaya.
Some onlookers said the man, shaking his head fast as if in a trance, had entered Kirivehera and set himself on fire.
The victim was rushed to Kataragama District Hospital and later transferred to Hambantota Base Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to Kataragama Police, the victim is from Ranminitenna in Tissamaharamaya.
Police are investigating.