The main reason for the historical city of Anuradhapura to become a sacred city was the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. This sacred tree has been planted in the historical Maha Meghavana royal park in Anuradhapura in the month of ‘Unduvap’ (November), 236 BC, according to the written facts. The sacred Bodhi sapling has been ceremonially brought here by arahant Sanghamitra Maha Theri, under instructions of ar
ahant Mahendra Maha Thero. King Devanam Piyatissa who ruled Sri Lanka in this period has planted this Bodhi tree with great pageantry in the Maha Meghavana royal park dedicated to the venerable bhikkhus. The present age of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is 2,247 years. Accordingly, the oldest tree of the whole world with a written history is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura. Lord Gautama Buddha is esteemed as the greatest human being appeared on earth. He attained Samma Sambodhi, enlightenment, seated with his back against it under the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Buddhagaya, India. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura being the southern branch of that sacred Bodhi tree is the second most special reason.
