Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
The sacred city of Anuradhapura has been nominated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage. The main reason for the historical city of Anuradhapura to become a sacred city was the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.This sacred tree has been planted in the historical Maha Meghavana royal park in Anuradhapura in the month of ‘Unduvap’ (November), 236 BC, according to the written facts. The sacred Bodhi sapling has been ceremonially brought here by arahant Sanghamitra Maha Theri, under instructions of arahant Mahendra Maha Thero. King Devanam Piyatissa who ruled Sri Lanka in this period has planted this Bodhi tree with great pageantry in the Maha Meghavana royal park dedicated to the venerable bhikkhus. The present age of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is 2,247 years.
Accordingly, the oldest tree of the whole world with a written history is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.
Lord Gautama Buddha is esteemed as the greatest human being appeared on earth. He attained Samma Sambodhi, enlightenment, seated with his back against it under the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Buddhagaya, India. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura being the southern branch of that sacred Bodhi tree is the second most special reason.
Within a short period of bringing the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to Sri Lanka, the original Bodhi tree of India was destroyed by Queen Thishyarakkha, a queen of Emperor Dharmashoka observing a different faith. The saplings sprouted from its roots were destroyed twice due to hostilities and natural disasters. It is a fourth generation Bodhi tree that dwells in Buddhagaya presently.
But, what we see living in Anuradhapura is the southern branch of the original Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha was seated with his back against it. Therefore, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura is the only sacred relic in the whole world comparable to the living Buddha, which has been sanctified by the touch of the Lord Buddha and was subjected to the homage of the esteemed one himself for one whole week through ‘Animisa Lochana Pooja’.
It is a specialty here that, this highly sacred Bodhi could be seen and worshipped by anyone without hindrance.
The Sri Maha Bodhi Temple
The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree is said to be the oldest planted tree in the world, and located in the most crowded place in all of Anuradhapura. It is also regarded by Buddhist pilgrims as the most sacred tree. This particular bodhi tree is said to be 2,300 years old. It has planted and has been continuously looked after all this while, even when Anuradhapura was under Tamil occupation.
The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment in 528BC, and this particular bodhi tree is believed to have been grown from a cutting from that original tree. As such, it is the most sacred tree in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. Seedlings from this tree have been planted in temples throughout Sri Lanka and around the Buddhist world. It is forbidden for a Buddhist to cut or harm any part of the tree.
Pilgrims making their way to and from the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple
Today a frame of iron crutches help to prop up the Sri Maha Bodhi. Golden railings provided further protection, and visitors entering the compound are strictly regulated. Still, the throng coming to view the tree was simply overwhelming. When I visited the place, there must have been a festive season, for the road approaching the temple was closed to vehicular traffic. Lots of pilgrims made the journey on foot towards the tree. The blue-yellow-red-white Buddhist flags flutter from poles.
Before entering the compound, we had to remove our shoes, which were deposited at a shoe counter. Then we continued barefooted into the temple compound. I noticed that most of the pilgrims wore all white clothing. The walls of the temple were also similarly whitewashed. I could hardly find a stain on it.
The Sri Maha Bodhi tree within its own compound at the temple
To my rather untrained eyes, the Sri Maha Bodhi tree appeared rather unimpressive. It looked like countless bodhi trees I have seen in temple compounds in so many countries that follow Theravada Buddhism. The difference is that this particular tree seems to be the focus of pilgrims from all over.
Every full moon of Poson, which falls around the months of May to June, a million worshippers would come to celebrate around the tree to commemorate Enlightenment.
Pilgrims queuing to approach the Sri Maha Bodhi tree
Leaves of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Address: Anuradhapura
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