Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura

Name: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Address: Mihindu Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 77 077 6952

#4 among attractions in Anuradhapura

Buddhist architecture, Temple, Top attraction, Sacred and religious sites

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Facts and practical information

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the island's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and its reverence for sacred natural sites. This ancient fig tree is not just any tree; it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. Revered by Buddhists around the globe, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted in 288 BC, making it over two millennia old.

The sacred tree is said to be a direct sapling from the historical Bodhi Tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. It was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, symbolizing the introduction of Buddhism to the island. The tree stands within the Mahamewna Gardens, once the royal park of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, which was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka.

As a focal point of worship, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially during the Buddhist festival of Poya. The site is not just a religious symbol but also a historical monument, encapsulating the continuity of a tradition that has been maintained for over 2300 years.

The temple complex surrounding the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a serene and contemplative space, designed to accommodate the large number of devotees and visitors. The tree itself is protected by a golden railing, and the ground beneath it is often strewn with lotus flowers and other offerings from the faithful.

Local name: ශ්‍රී මහා බෝධිය, අනුරාධපුර Seeded: 288 B.C.E.Coordinates: 8°20'41"N, 80°23'50"E

Address

Mihindu MawathaAnuradhapura Sri Lanka

Contact

+94 77 077 6952

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Anuradhapura

Day trips

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Isurumuniya, Thuparamaya.

~1940 ftN
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura
10 min walk • The Ruwanwelisaya stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual history of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This sacred stupa, enshrined within the ancient city, is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the country and a pinnacle of architectural grandeur.
0.6 miNE
Stupa known as the world's largest
Jetavanaramaya, Anuradhapura
17 min walk • Jetavanaramaya, a monumental stupa located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the most significant and revered landmarks of the ancient Buddhist world. Constructed in the 3rd century CE during the reign of King Mahasena, it stands as a testament...
0.9 miSW
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Isurumuniya, Anuradhapura
22 min walk • Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.
0.7 miN
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura
19 min walk • Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple that was constructed, after the arrival of mahinda thero in Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed in the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.
~500 ftN
Buddhist architecture, Memorial
Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura
3 min walk • Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles.
~1610 ftNW
Museum
Anuradhapura Museum, Anuradhapura
8 min walk • Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is one of the archaeological museums of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the old kachcheri building, between the Brazon palace and Ruwanwelisaya. The museum was established in 1947 under the prime effort of Dr. Senarath Paranavithana.
0.6 miW
Temple
Mirisawetiya Vihara, Anuradhapura
15 min walk • The Mirisaweti Stupa is a memorial building, a stupa, situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre.
1 miW
Buddhist architecture, Memorial
Vessagiriya, Anuradhapura
26 min walk • Vessagiriya, or Issarasamanarama, is an ancient Buddhist forest monastery that is part of the ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. It is located about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, among boulders.
~1550 ftSW
Temple
Dakkhina Stupa, Anuradhapura
8 min walk • Dakkhina Stupa is a 2nd-century BC large brick Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Earlier thought to be a monument of King Elara, it was later identified as the Stupa of ancient Dakini Vihara by Senarath Paranavithana with the help of a Brahmi inscription of the 3rd century A.D...
1 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Tissa Wewa
26 min walk • Tissa Wewa, an artificial reservoir, was built by Devanampiya Tissa in order to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura. Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are older. The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 2 miles long and 25 feet high.
1.2 miN
Park
Mahamevnāwa Gardens
31 min walk • Mahamevnāwa is an ancient park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was created by King Mutasiva whose name is in the history as the first king who structured a park. He who was the son of King Pandukabhaya and the father of King Devanampiya Tissa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi?

Nearby attractions include Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura (3 min walk), Dakkhina Stupa, Anuradhapura (8 min walk), Anuradhapura Museum, Anuradhapura (8 min walk), Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura (10 min walk).

How to get to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi by public transport?

The nearest stations to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi:

Train

Anuradhapura Railway Station (24 min walk)
Anuradhapura School (31 min walk)