Walking into the sacred city of Anuradhapura, I was drawn to the presence of an ancient marvel—the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest historically documented tree with a known planting date. As I stepped closer, the air felt thick with history, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the centuries of devotion surrounding this sacred tree.
A Link to the Buddha’s Enlightenment
The significance of this Bo tree extends beyond its sheer age; it is directly linked to the very moment of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. This tree is a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Standing beneath its vast canopy, I imagined the journey it had taken centuries ago, crossing oceans and arriving in Sri Lanka as a sacred gift.
The Arrival of the Sacred Sapling
Sangamiththa Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka and the first Buddhist nun to arrive in Sri Lanka carried this invaluable sapling. According to historical accounts, she travelled from India, bringing not just a tree but the essence of Buddhism itself. The journey wasn’t straightforward, as they stopped at various places, including a now-ruined temple where the sapling is believed to have rested before reaching Anuradhapura.
The Sacred Site and Its Mystical Aura
Even before reaching the tree, the surrounding Mahavihara Monastery sets the tone for the spiritual experience. The tranquillity of the site, with its well-preserved ruins, speaks of a time when monks and devotees would have gathered here in deep meditation. Today, the temple near the stopping point of the sapling is in ruins, but its significance is not lost.
The Highest Point on the Island?
It is said that the place where they stopped with the sapling before reaching Anuradhapura is the highest point in Sri Lanka. Standing there, I felt a strange sense of elevation—physically and spiritually. Whether or not it is genuinely the tallest place on the island, its significance is enough to make it feel otherworldly.
An Unbroken Line of Devotion
This Bo tree is remarkable because it has been continuously cared for, protected, and worshipped for over 2,300 years. Kings, monks, and laypeople have all ensured their survival, building protective enclosures and paying homage through generations. Seeing the golden fence around its roots today, I was humbled by the commitment of an entire nation in safeguarding this sacred relic.
A Ruined Temple with an Undying Spirit
Though the temple built at the stopping point of the sapling is now in ruins, it still holds a mystical presence. I wandered through the ancient stone remains, imagining the grandeur it once had. The voices of monks chanting, the flickering of oil lamps, and the scent of incense seemed to linger in the air, whispering stories of the past.
Final Thoughts – A Timeless Experience
Visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was not just a historical experience but a profoundly personal one. I left with a profound connection to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and something more significant: a tradition of enlightenment, resilience, and unwavering faith. Even as centuries pass, the tree stands strong, reminding us that some things, like wisdom and devotion, are timeless.