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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.
"Dear Cyril, Yes that's the one that we were calling all the time. Her name is Celia and by now she has a little sister. My dear Cyril, of course we can't forget your companion and we are always telling about you when we are talking about our trip to Sri Lanka. I wish you good luck with your company and I hope that you will have whatever you want. I want to tell also that I was very happy when I learned that you are a grandfather now. Best regards, Chris Greece 26/07/2011" Cristos Pravitas - Greece
"Dear Cyril, We want to thank you so much for making our trip so unforgetable and delightful. We received your name from our friends lives in Geneva who travelled with you in January 2009 and they gave you such a high recommendation that we decided to conbtact you for our two weeks trip this year. Although we have been to Sri Lanka a few times already. We have never found such an excellent driver and guide. It has been a great pleasure to visit Colombo with you and then to Koggala for two day tr..." Mr.Gabor Kato & Mrs.Ann Kato
"Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore
" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY
"If you ever plan to visit Sri Lanka (and I think you should) this is your guide!!! Martha Iordanidou - Thesoloneki - Greece " Martha Iordanidou
"Thank you so much Cyril for guiding us around your beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time which was made particularly special by your professionalism, enthusiasm and friendliness. We wish you all the best in the future. Warm regards from, Aonghus O'Keefee and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland " Aonghus and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland
"We had a great time on last 10 days in on our honeymoon in beautiful Sri Lanka. Thank you very much for the stories, the explanations, driving, tips, care and always with a smile. Big thanks for you Cyril. We had an amazing honeymoon in this beautiful island! and you are the best guide and friend that we could have here!!! We will sure tell our friends and family about the trip and you!!! We will stay in touch and may be one day meet you again. Oded & Carol Israel 10 Oct 2014" Naim & Coral Fisher from Israel
"Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my family and it was very nice and I wish to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy -thanks a lot for every thing and I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman
"We had an excellent and memorable trip and all credits to Cyril. In-depth knowledge about the places, roads and history and culture. From the airport assistance - Food, accommodation provided and the vehicle was excellent. Very matured and patient, We being on safe hands. Thanks for making it a memorable experience for all of us. " Aubry De Souza and group from Dubai
"Thank you Cyril for caring us and giving a very enjoyable tour to all of our family while we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. Definitely we will recommend you to our friends and relatives. Hitendra Molleti and family" Hitendra Molleti
