Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most venerated sites of worship among the Buddhists who live in the paradise island of Sri Lanka. Planted here is a majestic boo tree, which is said to be the southern branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Buddha Gaya, India. It is where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Countless numbers of devotees visit this sacred site throughout the year, to pay homage to this beautiful tree with ardent devotion. Some Buddhists in the country make annual pilgrimages to the site too.
About Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is located in Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. Sanghamitta Theri brought the sacred sapling which planted here in the Island. Sanghamitta Theri was the daughter of the Emperor Asoka of India. In the year 288 BC, King Devanampiyatissa planted the tree. The tree therefore known to be the oldest living tree in the word, which has a known planting date.
The Buddhists in the country visit the site and make offerings to the tree with great devotion. It is customary for many expectant mothers to make special vows to the tree for the safe delivery of their babies. Some farmers also present rice offerings to the tree and pray for blessings.
The Sinhalese Kings renovated the majestic site throughout the centuries. Developments and improvements to the site are being made continuously.
The beautiful tree suffered loss in 1907 and 1911, when storms broke off some branches. An individual chopped off one branch back in the year 1929 too. In the year 1985, the LTTE terrorists brutally shot and killed a number of Buddhist devotees who were worshipping here.
You will be able to visit it with great ease as you travel in the island with Green Holiday Centre. Keep in mind that this is a sacred site of worship. So you will have to dress modestly when visiting it.
