Prelims – Current events of International Importance
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Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple at the historic city of Anuradhapura during his trip to Srilanka.
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered the oldest living cultivated plant in the world.
- It is believed to have grown from a branch that an Indian princess carried to Sri Lanka.
- This Bo (Ficus religiosa, Pipal in Hindi) tree is believed to have grown from a branch of the tree in Bodhgaya (Bihar) under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
- The branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta (or Sanghamitra), the Mauryan king Ashoka’s daughter and Buddhist nun.
- Spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka - During the reign of Ashoka, the 3rd Buddhist Council was convened, where it was decided to send missionaries to various regions to propagate the teachings of Buddhism.
- As part of this mission, Mahinda, Ashoka's son, travelled to Sri Lanka.
- There, he met King Devanampiya Tissa, who was the ruler of Anuradhapura, and successfully converted him to Buddhism.
- Sanghamitta had travelled to Sri Lanka in response to an invitation from King Devanampiya Tissa, as well as the request of her brother, Mahendra (or Mahinda).
- Her arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is still celebrated as Uduvapa Poya, an annual festival observed on a full moon night in December.
- The tree, along with the other Buddhist shrines in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, is a major pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.
- Anuradhapura - It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Anuradhapura was established around the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya, the first King of Sri Lanka.
- Anuradhapura remained the capital of Lankan rulers from 377 BC to 1017 CE.
- It is known for its ancient monuments, monasteries, and palaces, which have drawn pilgrims and historians alike for centuries.
- Other Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura - Jetavanaramaya Stupa, Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, Isurumuniya Temple, Ranmasu Uyana.
References
- The Indian Express | Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
- Times Now | Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka
