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The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most venerated and oldest living trees in the world and holds immense religious and historical significance for Buddhists worldwide. The tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment.
History: The history of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi dates back over 2,300 years. According to historical records, in the 3rd century BCE, Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty in India, after embracing Buddhism, sent his daughter, Princess Sangamitta, to Sri Lanka as a Buddhist missionary. Along with her, she brought a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya to be planted in Anuradhapura.
The sacred sapling was planted in the Mahamevuna Park in Anuradhapura during the reign of King Devanam Piya Tissa (307-267 BCE). This event marked the formal establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The tree has been carefully preserved and protected by successive Sinhalese kings and later by the Sri Lankan government and Buddhist clergy.
Details: The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is not only revered for its religious significance but also for its age. It is estimated to be more than 2,300 years old, making it one of the oldest known planted trees in the world. The tree stands approximately 32 meters (105 feet) tall and has a large canopy with numerous branches that provide shade to the devotees and visitors who come to pay their respects.
The site of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is an essential pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. The temple complex surrounding the sacred tree is called the Mahavihara, and it is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The complex includes various stupas, ancient ruins, and other significant Buddhist monuments.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is continuously protected and cared for by a team of custodians, and rituals are regularly conducted to honor the tree and its spiritual significance. The devotees offer flowers, light lamps, and burn incense as offerings to express their reverence and gratitude to the Buddha and his teachings.
Over the centuries, the tree has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters and threats from human activities. However, through the dedicated efforts of custodians and authorities, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi continues to stand as a symbol of strength, resilience, and spiritual significance for Buddhists and visitors alike.
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" Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
"We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop
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"Thank you so much for wonderful Sri Lanka trip.We had a great time. The trip was very relaxing as well as fun. My daughter MAHI who lovingly started calling you "Cyril Dada"(grand farther) Had a memorable trip. She cannot stop talking about elephants. Our trip to Sri Lanka will be full of great memories, its because of you. Thank you for showing us your beautiful country the way we wanted, eating local food, lots of King coconut and Corn stops. We will be surely coming back to see rest o..." Mithil Patel
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"Hi Mr.Cyril, Hope you and family and grandchild are doing fine. Hope to come to Sri Lanka again. We really enjoyed our trip especially with your special help and guidance. We will definitely contact you if at all we wish to visit Sri Lanka again. Thanks & Best Regards Mr. & Mrs.Pillai Singapore 29/7/11 " Mr & Mrs.Pillai from Singapore
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