Anuradhapura Atamasthanaya

The Atamasthana, the eight most sacred places of Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

  • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi planted in the Maha Meghavana Royal Park by King Devanampiyatissa in 236 BC.

  • Ruwanweli Dagaba built by King Dutugemunu in 137 BC. This great dagaba contains the largest quantity of sacred body relics of the Lord Buddha among all Stupas of the world.

  • Thuparamaya Dagaba built by King Devanampiyatissa in 236 BC. Contains the sacred right 'Aku Dhathu' (clavicle) relic of the Lord Buddha.

  • Mirisawetiya Dagaba built by Emperor Dutugemunu in 161 BC. Contains King Dutugemunu's sceptre together with the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha.

  • Lankarama Dagaba built by King Walagamba in 89 - 77 BC. Contains a part of Lord Buddha's 'Pati Dhathu' (belt) relic and other sacred relics of the Lord Buddha.

  • Abhayagiri Dagaba built by King Walagamba in 89 - 77 BC upon a sacred foot print of the Lord Buddha. Contains the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha.

  • Jethavanaramaya Dagaba built by King Mahasen during 276-303 BC. Contains a part of Lord Buddha's 'Pati Dhathu' (belt) relic and other sacred relics of the Lord Buddha.

  • Lova Maha Paya built by King Dutugemunu during 167-137 BC as the 'Uposathaghara' (Chapter house) of the Mahaviharaya. Thousands of Arahant and other Bhikkhus have dwelt in this great mansion.

This sacred tree has been planted in the historical Maha Meghavana royal park in Anuradhapura in the month of ‘Unduvap’ (November), 236 BC, according to the written facts. The sacred Bodhi sapling has been ceremonially brought here by arahant Sanghamitra Maha Theri, under instructions of arahant Mahendra Maha Thero. King Devanam Piyatissa who ruled Sri Lanka in this period has planted this Bodhi tree with great pageantry in the Maha Meghavana royal park dedicated to the venerable bhikkhus. The present age of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is 2,247 years.

Accordingly, the oldest tree of the whole world with a written history is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Bomaluwa Temple,
Mahaviharaya,
Anuradhapura,
Sri Lanka.

Tel: +94252222367
Fax: +94252223267
Email: info@srimahabodhi.lk
Web: www.srimahabodhi.lk