The Sacred Bo-Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi)
The Sacred Bo-tree; Jaya Sri Maha
Bodiya of Anuradhapura is a unique place of worship that is highly revered by
the Sinhala Buddhists and is also known as the oldest living human-planted tree in
documented history. The present age of the Sri Maha Bodi is 2,271 years (2021).
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| Statue of Sangamiththa Theraniya |
Around 236 BC, at the request of King Devanampiyathissa, Emperor Dharmashoka of India sent the southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodi in Bodhgaya to Sri Lanka by his daughter Arahant Sangamiththa Mahatheree. Then King Devanampiyathissa planted the Bodhi Tree in his Royal Park “Maha Megavana Udyanaya” in Anuradhapura, under the guidance of Arhant Mihidu Maha Thero.
There are four main festivals (Duruthu Mangalle, Parana Avurudu Mangalle, Nanumura Mangalle and Karthika Mangalle) are held for the honor of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Spraying & Bathing in the Bodhi Tree from the Thisa Wewa is a major feature of the Poson festival. It is held for the purpose of alleviating drought & obtaining rain.
Almost every king
who has ruled since ancient times has taken steps to protect the Sacred
Bo-Tree; Jaya Sri Maha Bodiya of Anuradhapura.
-Location: Sri Maha Bodiya, Anuradhapura (Click Here)
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