The 'Sacred Bo Tree', Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The branches supported by gold plated supports are the ones from the original 'Bo Sapling' brought from present Buddha Gaya, India, more than 2000 years ago. This was a branch taken from the Bo Tree under which the Sakyamuni got his Enlightenment. The transplanted branch was grown inside a golden vessel - like in 'Origami' - and was brought by Theri Sanghamittha, the sister of Emperor Asoka, to Sri Lanka.
Recent excavations around the Sacred Bo Tree at Anuradhapura, brought to light very ancient artifacts, according to some authorities, predating the arrival of the Bo Sapling. These new excavations have been temporarily halted. The picture above shows these artifacts covered by a chamber topped off with a glass covering. I have heard it said that we have only scratched the surface of Sri Lankan history as it stands at present. There is a lot of work for researchers in this area.
