'Sri Maha Bodhi', Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

The 'Sri Maha Bodhi', Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The branch supported by gold posts is the branch from the original tree at Buddha Gaya, India, brought to Sri Lanka by Theri Sanghamitta more than 2000 years ago.

The 'Dolosmahe pahane' (the 12 month lamp). Devotees pour small amounts of coconut oil into a funnel on the side. This oil falls into the lamp and is collected below it. This oil is used to keep the lamp burning for the twelve months of the year.

A tree trimmed of a branch at the site.

An ancient building in the premises. Note the pillars made out of cut granite at a time when concrete was unheard of. Note also the stairway with the two 'Guard-stones'.

The 'Sacred Bodhi Tree' at Buddha Gaya, India, under which Lord Buddha had Enlightenement had many vicissitudes in its lifetime. During its lifetime, a fruit from it was taken and given to the
Ven. Anandha by Lord Buddha. It produced a sapling which was planted at Sravasthy, India, during Lord Buddha's life time. It is called the 'Ananda Bo tree' and is still in existence. A branch of the original Bo tree was brought to Sri Lanka by Theri Sanghamittha in the 2nd Century BC. This is the one now existing at Anuradhapura. It had many saplings produced in its lifetime. One of the earliest now in existence is at 'Thanthrimale'. With present day techniques, DNA studies on this plant and making comparisons with the 'Ananda Bo tree' at Srawasthy and the Bo tree standing now at Buddha Gaya, India, could give us valuable historical data.