Bodhi Tree, Bodhi Tree

In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.

This tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Other holy Bodhi trees which have a great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree.

In this year (the twelfth year of King Asoka's reign) the right branch of the Bodhi tree was brought by Sanghamitt to Anurdhapura and placed by Devnmpiyatissa in the Mahmeghavana. The Buddha, on his death bed, had resolved five things, one being that the branch which should be taken to Ceylon should detach itself. Mahavamsa. chap. 17, 46f. http://lakdiva.org/mahavamsa/chap017.html From Gay, the branch was taken to Ptaliputta, thence to Tmalitt, where it was placed in a ship and taken to Jambukola, across the sea; finally it arrived at Anuradhapura, staying on the way at Tivakka. Those who assisted the king at the ceremony of the planting of the Tree were the nobles of Kjaragma and of Candanagma and of Tivakka.

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