Srimaha Bodhiya.
Most secred place in Sri Lanka
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Abranch of the Sacred Bodhi tree which Gautama the buddha attained enlightement which was brought to Sri Lankain the third centuary B.C.
"in Sri lanka, there grows to this day, a tree, the oldest historical tree in the world which we know certainly to have been planted as a cutting from the Bodhi tree in the year 245 B.C. "
H.G. Wells
World renowned British historian
Devanampiya Tissa who ruled the kingdom in 307 - 267 B.C (Second son of king Mutasiva) his close friendship with Emperor Ashoka in India led to the introduction of Buddhism by Mahind in 247 B.C. Their Sangamitta arrived with the branch of the Bodhi tree from buddha gaya. The tree still exists as the oldest historical tree in the world. she also established the order of the Bhikkuni's (nuns).
Historical and literary records indicate that king devanampiyatissa sent his nephew arittha on the important mission of briging theri sangamitta to sri lanka to established the Bhikkuni sasana and along with her the maha bodhi sapling. Historical books discribe that the miracles that are said to have occurrd at the time the maha Bodhi Sapling was obtained from the parent bodhi tree, Conveyed ceremonialy and established at Anuradhapura amidst great pomp and pageantry.
The dispatching of the Maha Bodhi to sri Lanka had been associated with great celebrations. Emporer Ashoka himself had been present at the port of Tamalitta when the ship carrying maha Bodhi sapling left the shores of India. The Mahabodhi was welcomed with great honour and respect at the port of jambukolapattana in Sri lanka.
King Devanampiyatissa himself was present at the port to receive the Mahabodhi According to the mahawannsa emperor Ashoka at the port Said, " I have honoured the Maha Bodhi by bestowing my kingdom thrice to the Bodhi: Let my friend king Devanampiyatissa to honour the Bodhi by bestowing his kingdom" . the road from anuradhapura to port of jammbukolapatuna had been gaily decorted. Different clases of artisans who werw required to perform various services for the Mahabodhi also acompanied the sapling.