There is no spot in Anuradhapura more hallowed than the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo-tree. In fact, this specimen of ficus religiosa is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. It is said to be a branch of the very bo-tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhi Gaya in India. It was transported by sea to Lanka by Emperor Asoka's daughter Princess Sanghamitta (brother of Mahinda, who introduced Buddhism to the island and eleven nuns around 236BC, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.

Having been informed in advance of the arrival of the bo-tree, Devanampiyatissa built a pavilion for it on the beach, and when the vessel was in sight, waded out into the sea up to his neck to receive it. The bo-tree was lodged in the pavilion for many days, after which it was placed in procession and transported to Anuradhapura. There in the Mahamegha or King's Garden the bo-tree was deposited, Devanampiyatissa himself lending a hand. However, the bo-tree rose straight up into the air "like a towering pheasant" and there it remained, glowing. This miracle continued all day, and convinced 10,000 people to take up the Yellow Robe (become monks).


At sunset the tree descended from the skies and planted itself in the ground. After this, the whole of Lanka made offering, and then a terrific storm broke around the tree, and it was enveloped by dense womb-like clouds for seven days. When the clouds dispersed a ripe fruit fell, which germinated at once into eight flourishing plants. So began the marvellous career of reproduction of this bo-tree, which over the centuries has provided every monastery and shrine in Sri Lanka (and some in Myanmar and Thailand too) with a sapling that derives from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Ever since its introduction 23 centuries ago, the bo-tree has been lovingly nurtured and fiercely guarded. For instance, it was originally watered by a special channel that ran from the Tissawewa to a reservoir by the Brazen Palace. It has been continually watched over by the descendants of the man appointed by King Devanampiyatissa as its original guardian. Even during times of Tamil domination of Anuradhapura it remained unscathed, probably because the bo-tree is sacred to Hindus as well. When the city was finally abandoned and the jungle tide returned, the guardians burned fires at night to keep away wild animals that might damage it.

Moreover, it has been continually worshipped by the faithful from all over the Buddhist world. Indeed, the importance of this tree to Buddhists cannot be overestimated. It is so great that in 1950 when blight attacked and endangered it, an expert from the Smithsonian Institute travelled to Anuradhapura to effect a successful treatment.

Visitors may be confused at first because they will discover that there are several bo-trees in the area. The oldest and holiest, the bo-tree, stands upon a special platform known as a bodhighara. All that is left of the original temple is the platform and parts of the surrounding wall - the smaller temples, moonstones, guardstones, and balustrades are later additions. The bo-tree is encircled by a modern gold-plated railing that is festooned with colourful flags and strips of cloth left by the thousands of pilgrims that come here, especially on weekends and poya days. In April a large number of pilgrims arrive to bathe the tree with milk.

(Bo-trees are sacred to Buddhists. In fact Buddhists are forbidden from harming them in any way. Show respect in the vicinity of a bo-tree, therefore, just as you would a Buddha image. Do not pluck the leaves or cut the branches off any bo-tree.)