Sri Maha Bodhi, Sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Sri Maha Bodhi stands on a raised terrace measuring 21 feet high, 71 feet long, and 57 feet wide at the Mahamewna Gardens.
This sacred fig tree, planted in 288 BCE, originated from the southern branch of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India.
The arrival of the Sri Maha Bodhi marked the establishment of the Buddhist order of nuns in Sri Lanka, with 500 women receiving ordination.
The tree receives round-the-clock protection from dedicated caretakers and special rituals are performed during full moon days of each month.
This fig tree holds the record as the oldest documented human-planted tree in the world, with a continuous written history spanning over 2300 years.
Location: Anuradhapura
GPS coordinates: 8.34472,80.39667
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:13
These trees stand as natural monuments across the globe. Some are recognized for their age, like Old Tjikko in Sweden and Methuselah in California. Others, such as General Sherman and Hyperion, set records for size and height. The collection includes cultural landmarks like the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka and ecological wonders like the Dragon Blood Trees of Socotra. From ancient baobabs to giant sequoias, each specimen represents botanical heritage.
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