Sri Maha Bodhi

It is hard to believe that there is no shadow of doubt at all that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on iron crutches is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in North India provided shelter to the Lord Buddha and He Himself found Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree by meditating with a strong will. 

During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, Sri Lankans were lucky to be blessed by the sacred Bodhi tree. The right Bo sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Bhikkuni Arahant Sangamittha who was the daughter of King Dharamashoka and the sister of Arahant Mihindu Maha Thero on Uduvap loya day and it was planted in Mahamewna orchard in Anuradhapura in 288 BC with the patronage of King Devanampiyatissa. 

The revolutional social changes occurred in the Sri Lankan society with the arrival of Sri Maha Bodhi is  an exceptional topic to be discussed. 

The emergence of Bikkuni sasanaya is one such special incident occurred in Sri Lanka. Princess Anula who was the wife of Prince Mahanaga and 500 noble ladies attain bikkhuhood. It lead to help the women to possess respect in the society. Not only that, King Dharmashoka sent a team of eighteen groups which consists farmers, carpenters, blacksmiths, porters, chefs, goldsmiths etc to conduct the main pooja or thevāva for newly brought Bo sapling to Sri Lanka. This caused to form different types of occupations in the Sri Lankan society. 

Sri Lankans always worship and offer pooja to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi and it is conserved by the people and the government of Sri Lanka. 

📷 courtesy - Wikipedia