Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi
The Sacred Bodhi Tree (Oldest recorded Tree in the world)
Worshipping the sacred tree (Bodhi Pooja) and other annual rituals
(A monk worships the sacred Bodhi tree on the Uda Maluwa)
Worshipping the sacred Tree (Bodhi Pooja)
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Buddhists believe that by worshiping a branch of the very tree that helped Buddha achieve enlightenment, one is worshipping the Buddha himself. Buddha himself has appointed the Bodhi tree as a representation of himself for worship so worshipping the tree is like worshiping the living Buddha. The word "living" also has an extra meaning since this very tree is the only "living" entity to see the enlightenment of the Buddha.
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It is believed that bathing the tree with water and cleaning the yard on which the tree sits will provide great benefits for the worshipper. A possible reason for this is, achieving enlightenment requires unimaginable mental energy and sacrifice and it is believed that the tree still posses that energy and power to which the worshipper can tap in to . Furthermore, the Buddha paid homage to this very tree for seven consecutive days after enlightenment and that act would have further enhanced the tree's energy and power.
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Another reason is when the pilgrim worships the Bodhi tree (living Buddha)with great faith, the gods who observe this are believed to obtain merit from this act and will then act compassionately towards the pilgrim providing him/her with relief.The writer has met a large number of individuals over the years who have had great benefits as a result of offering Bodhi Pooja to the sacred tree to dismiss this explanation as a mere tree worshipping exercise (after all, no human culture can look after a tree for more than 2300 years unless there is something happening ?)
The present day daily rituals performed at the sacred tree
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The present tree area consists of three terraces. Out of which, the topmost terrace on which the tree sits, is always swept every morning by a priest. Other two terraces are also cleaned every morning.The sweeping too is done according to a particular square pattern.
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Then the wilted flowers of the previous day are removed from the flower seats and the shrine room.
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At 11.00 a.m. , the Buddha Pooja (the offering for the Buddha) is conducted amidst traditional drumbeats at the Shrine room which is then kept closed till 2.00 p.m.
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Once again just as in the morning, the cleaning of the three terraces take place in the evening.
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The evening pooja (Gilanpasa), is then offered at 6.00 p.m..
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The doors close at 8.00 pm.
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Then traditional drums and other instruments are sounded.
The different festivals associated with the scared tree
- The "Aluth Sahal Mangalya" (The new rice festival)
Held in January each year, now under the patronage of the government. The first portion of the new paddy harvest is offered to the tree. A "kiribath" (milk rice) is made with this portion of rice and put in to a gold plate. Then the plate is carried in possession accompanied by drummers and musicians and offered to the sacred tree.
- The "Parana Avrudu Mangalya" (The old year festival)
Held in April , 5 days before the Sinhala New year . A number of Poojas are conducted such as Bodhi Poojas (offerings to the tree), Buddha Poojas (offerings to the Buddha) and Deva Poojas (offerings to the gods). The festival is done with the participation of the priests of the sacred tree temple and villagers from villages who were traditionally assigned duties with respect to the sacred tree. A list of the events that took place in the previous year and the list of events planned for the new year are read out for the benefit of the god "Kalu Devatha Bandara", believed to be in charge of the sacred tree.
- The "Aluth Avrudu Mangalya" (The new year festival)
Held at a specific auspicious time before the Vesak (May) full moon day. A striking feature of this festival is that the branches of the sacred tree are wrapped in cloths and jewelry is garlanded in the tree. This festival is also done in conjunction with all eight sacred sites, where at a given time, at all eight sacred sites (atamasthana), a special food offering called "Kiri Ahara" , made with rice , coconut milk and other condiments is made and offered. After that a pooja is made to the gods lead by the god "Kalu Devatha Bandara".
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