Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

🌳 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – A Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment and Devotion
📍 Location: Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
🗓️ Planted in: 236 BC – The Oldest Human-Planted Tree in the World with a Recorded History

🌿 Historical Origins

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a revered fig tree (Ficus religiosa) grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Lord Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. This sacred branch was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. The planting of this tree marked a profound turning point in Sri Lankan Buddhist history, symbolizing the nation’s deep spiritual bond with Buddhism.

🙏 Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Elevated on a sacred terrace within the Mahamewna Gardens, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is surrounded by protective walls and several smaller companion Bo trees known as Parivara Bodhi. It is one of the Atamasthana—the eight sacred sites of worship in Anuradhapura—and is cared for by the Chief High Priest of Atamasthana. For over two millennia, this tree has stood as a living emblem of wisdom, peace, and devotion, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.

⚔️ Challenges and Resilience

Despite its sacred status, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi has withstood many challenges—from natural disasters to human threats, including the 1985 LTTE terrorist attack, which tragically took the lives of 146 peaceful devotees. Yet, through every trial, the tree has remained unbroken—a powerful symbol of spiritual endurance and national reverence.

🌺 Pilgrimage and Preservation

Today, access to the upper terrace near the tree is carefully restricted to protect its aging structure, yet pilgrims from around the world gather at the surrounding terrace to pay homage, meditate, and offer flowers. Beautiful golden fences, ancient stonework, water canals, and statues highlight the continuous efforts of kings and commoners alike to preserve this sacred legacy.

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