Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

Sri Maha Bodhi

The Sacred Bodhi Tree (Oldest recorded Tree in the world)

What to see at Sri Maha Bodhi

(A rare picture of the sacred Bo tree decorated on the eve of the Poson full moon 2006. pic: ven. Gnanarathana of the mirisawetiya temple)

A branch of the very Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment in 528 BC

What to see at Sri Maha Bodhi.....

Being around for 2000 years, the Bodhi Tree area is rich with things to see

• The Sacred tree area consists of a number of levels .

1. The sand terrace ("Weli Maluwa")
2. The second compound ("Deveni Maluwa")
3. The Upper compound ("Uda Maluwa")
4. The Bodhi Tree Compound ("Bo Maluwa")
5. The Residing compound ("Wedasitina Maluwa")

• The Weli Maluwa (Sand terrace) On the lowest level, we can see 41 accompanying Bo trees. Some believe that these were planted as protection to the main tree

(Some of the accompanying Bo Trees on the "Weli Maluwa" pic: Mirisawetiya webteam)

• Climbing a flight of stairs from the Weli maluwa, you reach the second compound (Deveni Maluwa) . Flower Seats are located at this level. The temple of the "Kalu bandara Devatha", the god, who is believed to be in charge of the sacred tree is also located here. However, this is not a "temple" in the traditional sense but is the flower alter on the west side. Multitudes who expect the blessing of the true make offerings to the "Kalu Bandara Devatha" at this alter . The "Villidura" people who have been traditionally entrusted with the keeping of the tree, conduct the poojas here.

(The second compound "Deveni Maluwa". Pic: Mirisawetiya webteam)

• The next level is the "Ran weta Maluwa" (the golden railing terrace), which lies between the two golden railings new and old. . The outer limit of the terrace is the new Ranweta made in 2003 with the leadership of former prime minister Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe, The chief incumbent of the Atamasthana, Dr Ven. Pallegama Srinivasa and by the "Sri Maha Bodhi Arakshaka Ranweta Dayaka Sabhava". The inner limit of the "Ranweta Maluwa" is the old older golden railing which was built in 1969 with the patronage of Ven. Utiravana Narada Thero and the "Sri Maha Bodhi Arakshaka Ranweta Dayaka Sabhava".

(The two golden railings around the Sri Maha Bodhi.pic: Mirisawetiya webteam)

(A rare picture from inside the Ranweta Maluwa showing an elephant wall and the old golden railing. Pic by Ven. Gnanarathana of the Mirisawetiya Temple)

• The next level from the Ranweta Level is the "Uda Maluwa". this is a strictly limited entry area where only a highly selected group of monks are allowed to visit such as the Chief incumbent of Atmasthanaya.

• Above the "Uda Maluwa", in its centre , towards east, you will find the "Bo Maluwa". is the "wedasitina maluwa" , the place where the sacred tree sits in. Nobody is allowed to step in to this unless it is absolutely essential.

• In the northeastern direction of the "Bo Maluwa", you will find the "Wedasitina Maluwa", where the sacred tree sits, majestically, as the living Buddha for over 2300 years !

(A rare pic of the sacred tree showing the "Uda Maluwa", the "Bo Maluwa" (perimeter decorated by flowers) and the "Wedasitina Maluwa" (small compound where the tree resides). Pic by Ven. Gnanarathana of the Mirisawetiya Temple)

• In the shrine room one can see two Buddha Statues, one standing and the other seated believed to be made around the 10th century.

(Rare Buddha Statue in the Bhoomi Sparsha style found inside the Shrine room)

• A few moonstones belonging to the sixth and eighth centuries can be seen

(Part of a moonstone seen at Sri Maha Bodhi.pic: Mirisawetiya webteam)

• On the northern side, flanking a flight of steps are guard stones, which depict hooded cobras. These are called "Naga Stones" (Cobra stones)

(Five hooded Cobra:Naga Stone found at Sri Maha Bodhi.pic: Mirisawetiya webteam)

CLick to see about worshiping the Bodhi and present day annual rituals associated with the sacred tree

Back to Sri Maha Bodhi Home

Back to other sites

Back to Mirisawetiya home