Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple:
1.It is believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
2.It holds a special place of respect in Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanations –
Statement 1 is correct. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is believed to have grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained enlightenment. This sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in 236 BCE during King Devanampiya Tissa’s reign.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi holds special reverence primarily in Theravada Buddhism, which is predominant in Sri Lanka.
Source: The Hindu
