The Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi.

Anuradhapura, the sacred city located in the North Central province is highly venerated by all the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is because of the unique tree that has been subject to the worship and reverence by the people of the world. It has become highly sacred in the minds of billions of people. This unique tree is known world over as the "Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi". 

The most significant incident which changed the fate of Sri Lanka took place in the 3rd century BC in Anuradhapura. This auspicious event is non other than receiving Buddhism during the reign of king Devanampiyatissa. King Dharmashoka, the emperor of Indua, was a very close colleague of king Devanampiyatissa. His son Arahant Mhindu Maha Thero brought over the Buddhism to our Motherland on Poson full moon poya day. Since then Buddhism which is a very clear, logical and humanitarian philosophy, became the state religion of Sri Lanka. 

The Southern branch of  Sri Maha Bodhi tree in India was brought ceremonially to Sri Lanka on the request of King Devanampiyatissa by Arahant Sanghamitta Maha Theri who was the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. 

According to the history, the sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted in Mahamevna Uyana at Anuradhapura by the king in the month of 'Vap' ( October) of 236 BC. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is considered the world's oldest tree and has accepted as a very rare living world heritage for the people world over. 

The Buddhists give prominence to the sacred Bodhi tree due to many reasons. 'Esathu' tree which is the real name of this tree became 'Bodhi' due to the fact that the ascetic Siddhartha Gautama was seated with his back against it under this tree when he attained enlightenment and became Buddha. After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha was compassionate enough to show his gratitude even towards the Bodhi tree which aided his achievement. 

Hence, the Buddhists consider the Sri Maha Bodhi as one of the great heritages that Sinhalese Buddhists possess. 

Image courtesy : archives.sundayobserver.lk, www.sambodhi.lk.