Sri Lanka to take a sapling from sacred Bo tree to Buddha Gaya

Sri Lanka Buddhist authorities have planned to plant a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi sacred Bo tree in Buddha Gaya in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.

The Chief Prelate of Anuradhapura Atamasthana Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero said that the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi is now well grown and ready to be replanted.
The Buddhist authorities expect to exhibit the Bo sapling in the island including Jaffna before it is flown to India for replanting.

Buddhist monks are to take the Bo sapling around the country while chanting Pirith.

The Sri Maha Bodhi is believed to have been grown from the ancient Bo tree that provided Buddha shelter to attain enlightenment 2600 years ago, according to Buddhist belief.

According to the Mahavamsa, the Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka was planted in 288 BC, making it the oldest tree of any kind.