Sacred Bodhi tree or Mahabodhi (Sri Maha Bodhi), Anuradhapura

Sacred Bodhi tree or Mahabodhi (Sri Maha Bodhi) - the most revered place of pilgrimage Anuradhapura. There are always a lot of people here, and not only during religious holidays. It is considered the oldest tree planted by a person with a documented history, and all later planted and now growing in Sri Lanka Bodhi trees (or Bo) are his shoots (even his ancestor from India (G. Bodh-Gaya) died, and in his place was planted a shoot from Anura). In its essence, the Mahabodhi tree belongs to one of the varieties of Ficus.

The branch of this tree is taken from the trunk of the Bo tree, under which the Buddha found enlightenment, and brought here by the nun Sangamitta (Sanghamitta, daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka) in the III century BC.E. from India. It was planted by King Devanampiya Tissa (PR. 307-267 BC) in 249 BC.

The tree itself grows on a pedestal 6.5 m high and is surrounded by a gilded railing, some leaning branches are supported by props. Trees are planted on the outer perimeter of it to protect it from animals and the elements, then another wall with fences. Unfortunately, it is impossible to climb close to it, the entrances are closed and there is a guard. There is a small Buddhist temple near the tree.

In 1929, the Bodhi tree was attacked by a madman, as a result of which one trunk was cut down, but the second was preserved. And in 1985, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorist organization they staged a disorderly shooting of people here, dozens of people were killed. For this reason, today, before entering the territory, an inspection of things is organized (separately for men and women), you also need to leave shoes here.

In December and June, Poya days are celebrated here - the most important religious holidays associated with the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. All arriving pilgrims are dressed, as a rule, in white clothes.

140 m. east of the entrance there is organized parking (paid).