Sri Maha Bodhi, Sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree standing on a raised terrace at the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. The terrace gives the tree space and lifts it slightly above the surrounding garden, so the trunk and spreading branches remain fully visible.
The tree was planted in 288 BCE as a cutting from the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in India. Its planting also brought the Buddhist order of nuns to Sri Lanka when 500 women gathered for ordination.
The name Maha Bodhi means great tree of enlightenment and points to its spiritual connection with Buddha himself. Pilgrims wrap white cloth around the trunk daily and bring flowers, so the area fills with gentle smoke from incense sticks.
Visitors can walk through the grounds daily and should remove shoes when entering, as this is an active religious site. On full moon days, many more people gather, so plan extra time for the visit.
With a written record spanning over 2300 years, this tree is considered the oldest human-planted specimen with continuous documentation anywhere in the world. Caretakers attend to it around the clock, a level of care rarely given to any living thing.
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