UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Booklet: Pragati Notebooks – Spiral and Detachable sheets Click Here to know more and order
News: The Prime Minister Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple at the historic city of Anuradhapura. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
About Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
- Location: It is situated in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
- It is considered the oldest living cultivated plant in the world.
- It is believed to have grown from a branch of the tree in Bodhgaya (in present-day Bihar) under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
- The branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra in 3rd century B.C., the Mauryan king Ashoka’s daughter and Buddhist nun.
- Uduvapa Poya: Sanghamitra’s arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is still celebrated as Uduvapa Poya, an annual festival observed on a full moon night in December.
About Anuradhapura
- It is now a UNESCO World Heritage.
- It was political and religious capital of Sri Lanka that flourished for 1,300 years.
- It was abandoned after an invasion in 993 CE by the Chola Empire of south India.
Sanghamitra in Sri Lanka
- She came on the invitation of the king and the suggestion of her brother, Mahendra or Mahinda.
- Buddhist missionaries were sent to Sri Lanka after successfully hosting of 3rd Buddhist Council during the reign of Ashoka.
- The mission to Sri Lanka was led by prince Mahendra, or Mahinda, Ashoka’s son.
- Mahinda met King Devanampiya Tissa, whose capital was Anuradhapura, and converted him to Buddhism.
About Mahabodhi Tree in Gaya
- While the original tree under which Lord Buddha meditated was destroyed (in some legends, by one of Ashoka’s wives, Tishyarakshita), the existing Pipal tree at the site is believed to have descended from the germplasm (genetic material) of that original tree.
Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation Syllabus and Materials For Aspirants
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
