As part of his visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday, April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Sharing photos of the revered tree on social media platform X, he described it as:

“A living symbol of peace, enlightenment, and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha always guide us.”

What is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree?

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree (Ficus religiosa), considered the oldest living cultivated tree in the world. It is believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.

This sacred branch was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitta (Sanghamitra), daughter of Mauryan emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun. It was planted in Anuradhapura, where it continues to be a major pilgrimage site and symbol of deep spiritual heritage.