thumb|Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in 2020

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree (Ficus religiosa) located in the Mahamewuna Garden, within the historic UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to be a tree grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the historical sacred bo tree, the Bodhi tree, which was destroyed during the time of Emperor Ashoka, at Bodh Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) is believed to have attained enlightenment. In 236 BC, according to Sri Lankan tradition, the Buddhist nun Sangamitta, a daughter of Ashoka, brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka during the reign of Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa.<sup>[1]</sup> At more than 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. The Mahāvaṃsa, or the great chronicle of the Sinhalese, provides an elaborate account of the establishment of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi on the Island and the subsequent development of the site as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Today, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is situated on a high terrace, about 6.5 meters above the ground, and surrounded by 4 other lower-level terraces with Bo trees called "Parivara Bodhi" planted for its protection. The site is currently administered by the Chief High Priest of Atamasthana and the Atamasthana Palakasabha, the administrative body of the Atamasthana. It receives millions of pilgrims each year. The site is open to visitors and continuously hosts numerous acts of worship throughout the year. However, access to the uppermost terrace where the bo tree is located is restricted due to the old age of the tree and various acts of vandalism it has endured throughout history, including a terrorist attack by the LTTE in 1985, where around 146 pilgrims were massacred.

History

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree that stands in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

According to Buddhist tradition, about 2,600 years ago, the Buddha sat with his back against an Esathu (Aśvattha) tree on the banks of the Neranjana River in Bodh Gaya, India, under which he achieved enlightenment. In doing so, the tree gained a venerated status. It became known as the Bodhi tree, and pilgrims came to see it even within the lifetime of the Buddha.

Later, in 236 BC, according to Sri Lankan tradition, the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta was sent by Emperor Ashoka from India to Sri Lanka. With her, she carried a southern branch of the original sacred fig. This branch was ceremoniously presented to Devanampiya Tissa, one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka whose reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism. In 236 BC, Tissa planted the branch of the Bodhi tree in his Royal Park in Anuradhapura.

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, as it became known, has since been cared for and protected by Buddhist monks and dedicated kings. Statues, water canals, golden fences, and walls have been built around the tree over the centuries, and many vows and offerings have been made by Buddhists at the foot of the sacred fig.

At times the tree has faced serious threats, and not only from wild elephants. Two storms in 1907 and 1911 resulted in broken branches. A vandal attacked the tree in 1929, hacking off another branch. In 1985, Tamil Tiger separatists stormed the site and massacred 146 Sinhalese-Buddhists on the upper terrace.

left|text-bottom|thumb|A wall Painting the Aluth Vihara Ge or the New Image House at Kelaniya Temple, Sri Lanka. Sangamitta Maha Theri bringing the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi to Sri Lanka. Wall painting by Solias Mendis. The murals are those of the 18th century and the early 20th century.

Religious and social significance

On the island, Buddhists continue to honor a longstanding tradition of visiting and paying homage to the sacred Bodhi tree. Every year, pilgrims from remote areas travel to the city of Anuradhapura to pay their respects to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a site of immense spiritual significance. The site is maintained with care, and daily offerings are provided by its custodian.

Today, many Buddhists believe that making offerings to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi can bring about meaningful and positive changes in their lives. Devotees often make special vows at the shrine, seeking blessings for safe childbirth and healing from various ailments.

Farmers in the Anuradhapura region also uphold the tradition of presenting rice from their first paddy harvest to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. This practice is rooted in the belief that such offerings help ensure a successful harvest, reducing the impact of challenges like drought, pest infestations, and even damage from wildlife, such as elephants.

Significance

right|upright|thumb|220px|A Photo taken from the Lower Compound, Pahatha Maluwa

In the 3rd century BC, it was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Theri (Pali; Skt.: Sanghamitra), the daughter of Emperor Asoka and founder of an order of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka. In 288 BC it was planted by King Devanampiya Tissa on a high terrace about above the ground in the Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura and surrounded by railings.

Contributions

Several ancient kings have contributed in developing this religious site. King Vasabha (65–107 AD) placed four Buddha statues in four side of the sacred tree. King Voharika Tissa (214–236 AD) added metallic statues. King Mahanaga (569–571 AD) constructed a water canal around the sacred tree and King Sena II (846–866 AD) renovated it. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam shot and massacred a number of Sinhalese-Buddhists on the upper terrace in 1985. This incident is known as the Anuradhapura massacre.

Further reading

  • von Schroeder, Ulrich. 1990. Buddhist Sculptures of Sri Lanka. 752 pages with 1610 illustrations. (Hong Kong: Visual Dharma Publications): 22–23, fig. 1; 126–127, pl. 25G.
  • von Schroeder, Ulrich. 1992. The Golden Age of Sculpture in Sri Lanka. [Catalogue of the exhibition held at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D. C., 1 November 1992 – 26 September 1993]. 160 pages with 64 illustrations. (Hong Kong: Visual Dharma Publications): 26, fig. 4.
  • von Schroeder, Ulrich. 2025. The Principal Buddha of the Śrī Mahā Bodhi Shrine at the Mahāvihāra in Anurādhapura. Academia.

See also

  • Buddhist pilgrimage
  • Sanghamitta
  • Anuradhapura massacre
  • Mahabodhivamsa
  • List of individual trees
  • List of oldest trees

References

  • Discover Sri Lanka - more information & images about Sri Maha Bodhi
  • Living Heritage - Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi
  • UNESCO World Heritage - Sacred City of Anuradhapura
  • Sri Maha Bodhi tourist site
  • The Bodhi Tree Network - Listing of branches/saplings of the Bodhi Tree around the world, cultivation tips of Bo tree, and how to share Bodhi trees
  • Buddha and the Bodhi tree