Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is recognized as the oldest survived sacred tree in the world. Being one of the sacred tourism places of Sri lanka it is a great opportunity for the travelers whom are curious to worship living Gautama Buddha. In fact Anuradhapura is nominated as a sacred city of world as it broods the Great Sri Maha Bodhi. So what is appeared in Anuradhapura is the southern branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Buddha Gaya ,India which provided back seat for Buddha with shelter and protection to the Lord Buddha on his journey to the enlightenment.
It is also known as Jaya Sri maha Bodheen wahanse, Udamaluwe Bo Sami and Jaya siri maha Bo Hamuduruwo. Even today it is being worshipped and respected by the Buddhists from all around the world. This Branch was brought to Sri Lanka by their, Sangamitta daughter of the King Dharmashoka and his son. King Dharmashoka presernt this sacred plant to Sri Lanka. It was planted at Mahamega vanaya in Anuradhapura under the guidance of Sri Lankan King Devanampiya tissa. According to the written facts the present age of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is about 2248 years.
Everyday the premise of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is cleaned and offered a Boddhi pooja which is brought along with a perahera. It is ordered to offer Gilanpasa in the evening. Teva Hevisi, is done 3 times per a day in morning, noon and evening. The Bodhi constitutes of 5 compounds, Weli maluwa, Vihara maluwa, Devalamaluwa, Uda maluwa and Ranvetamaluwa. As Anuradhapura was invaded by so many south Asian Dravidians it is rare to believe that the Sri maha Bodhi was well protected from such challenges. There are 4 major rituals made for the Bodhi.They are Aluth Sahal mangalya, the first split of the harvest was dedicated and consigned to the Sri Maha Bodhi on the Poya day of January.
Second one is Nanumuramangalya which takes place to offer milk rice not only to the Sri Maha Bodhi but also other Atamasthanas of Anuradhapura on poya day of May. Third one is a devapuja sacrificed for God ‘Kaludevatabandara ‘whose duty is deemed to look after Sri maha Bodhi. Finally it is the pilgrim season named Karti mangallya.
There is a wall around the tree, which was built by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha..Today we can see a new gloden fence guarding the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi . No any person forget to festoon the golden fence with prayer flags as they believe that the Bodhi has the universal power to solve their wretched hopes. Many pilgrims visit Sri maha Bodhi and respect, worship and prey to deprivate their Karma (Good or bad activities ). April is the month which may record most of the visitors,tourists and prayers worship the Bodhi.