Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is located in Anuradhapura which is considered to be the oldest planted tree in the world. It is a sacred fig tree situated in the Mahawewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. The history of this place goes to the 3rd century BC. It is said to be planted in 288 BC and considered to be the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with known planting dates.

About the destination

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India. This is the tree under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. This place has very significant importance and it is one of the most sacred religious places of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

There are fig trees that surround the sacred tree that protect it from storms and animals such as monkeys, bats, etc.

History of the destination

King Devanampiyatissa was the starting point of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi as he was taught the values and the importance of Buddhism. He had a good relationship with the Indian Emperor Asoka and the emperor decided to give a sapling of the sacred tree to the Sri Lankan king. It was brought by the daughter of the emperor who was Sangamittha Thera and was planted in the Royal Gardens of Anuradhapura.

This place is visited annually by many Buddhists to pay homage and perform rituals for good fortune and blessings.

Reaching the destination

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road. Continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and take the Ja-Ela exit. Turn left onto Ja Ela-Ekala Highway and turn right onto Kurunegala Road.

Turn left at Kalugamuwa Junction onto Kalugamuwa-Wariyapola Road then go straight past Kurunegala Junction onto Mihindu Mawatha. Turn left at Sri Maha Bodhi Mawatha to reach your destination.

From Anuradhapura

Go on Sangabo Mawatha and turn left onto D S Senanayake Mawatha. Turn right onto  Puttalam- Trincomalee Highway and turn right at Kurunegala Junction onto Mihindu Mawatha. Turn left at Sri Maha Bodhi Mawatha to reach your destination.