Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - Sacred Bo Tree - Sri Lanka

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo tree in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka is considered to be the oldest living tree in the world with a recorded history. As per the written history of Sri Lanka, the sacred Bo tree in Anuradhapura is grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Bodhgaya, India under which Lord Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
The sapling has been ceremoniously brought to Sri Lanka in 236 BC. King Devanampiyatissa received this sapling and planted it at the present site in Mahameghavana Garden.

Since its establishment, the Sacred Bo tree has received the protection of Kings, monks and the Buddhist people. Over the centuries walls and railings have been constructed around the Bo tree for protection. Today, the Bo tree is located on a high terrace about 6.5 meters above the ground level surrounded by four other lower-level terraces.
The outer wall has 4 entrances.

Moonstone at the base of the steps
Ruins of some previous ancient walls had been found during the excavations to construct the present wall around the Sri Maha Bodi. These have been preserved and are on display at the site.
The original tree is supported by metal poles and surrounded by "parivara" (companion) trees for protection.
The Sacred Bo Tree
We Offered a robe to Sri Maha Bodhi which is a custom among Buddhists.


It is customary for Buddhists to make special vows and wishes in front of the Sri Maha Bodhi. Many Sri Lankans believe in astrology and as per astrology, sometimes people go through bad periods that bring them sufferings. A lot of the wishes that are written on a white cloth and hung in the Bo tree in the below picture are for asking for blessings to pass the bad periods without any misfortunes.

Anuradhapura was abandoned as the capital in the 13th century due to invasion. The sacred places were covered by the jungle. However, some courageous Sinhalese did not leave Anuradhapura and looked after the sacred places, especially Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to the best of their abilities. During the Nikini Poya (usually falls in August), people of Anuradhapura used to come to Sri Maha Bodhi carrying firewood on their heads. These were used to light bonfires to chase away the wild elephants that came to eat the tender Bo leaves. People coming with firewood looked like a procession, so it was called "Daramiti Perahera", firewood procession. Daramiti Perahera continues as a tradition to date.

Sri Maha Bodhi is located in the ancient royal garden called Mahamevna Uyana. This garden has other important religious sites like a Samadhi statue - Buddha statue considered to be one of the finest in Sri Lanka, dated back to 4th-6th century, Ruvanweli Stupa (this is going to be one next stop), Thuparama Stupa, Lovamahapaya, etc.

Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruvanweli Stupa. It was built by King Dutugamunu in 161-131 BC, and claimed to be an edifice of 9 stories. Looking at the stone pillars that have survived to date, one could see that it would definitely have been a very impressive building. The building seen behind the stone pillars is a modern chapter house and not part of the original building.
remains of Lovamahapaya

Sri Maha Bodhi is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka by Buddhists. Every time we visit Sri Lanka, we make it a point to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and Sri Maha Bodhi, to get blessings.

Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese kingdom and it is a world heritage site. There are many sites of historical and religious importance in Anuradhapura. Usually, when we visit, we only have time to worship Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruvanweli Maha Seya, two of the most sacred sites. Next time I visit, I hope to have more time to explore Anuradhapura leisurely.

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