2025-06-20 Fri

The Bodhi tree (tree of enlightenment), also known as the Bo Tree, is a significant sacred peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) situated in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The tree stands to the west of the Mahabodhi Temple. For more insights on Mahabodhi temple refer to This Post

Gautama #Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, or Buddhahood in 500 BCE, under the original tree. It is believed that the present tree is the direct descendant of the original tree under which Lord Buddha meditated.

The Bodhi Tree holds great importance as the focal point of veneration around which the Mahabodhi Temple was built. Excavations at the Bodh Gaya temple site have uncovered the foundations of another temple, a perimeter wall, a carved slab of the symbolic #Diamond throne (Vajrasana), and a pillar attributed to the Mauryan Emperor #ashoka, which were erected to protect and commemorate both the tree and the site.

Until the 1st century CE, during the prominence of Hinayana (Little Vehicle) #Buddhism, representations of Buddha were primarily indirect, conveyed through various symbols, with the Bodhi Tree being one of the most significant. This tree has become an essential symbol in Buddhist iconography, depicted in the stupas located at #Sanchi (#MadhyaPradesh) , #Bharhut (MP), and #amaravati (#AndhraPradesh).

In Bharhut, there is an inscribed #Relief illustrating the diamond throne with the Bodhi Tree above it. The inscription reads ‘Bhagvato Shakamuni Bodhi’, which translates to ‘The Bodhi Tree of Divine Sakyamuni’.

The earliest historical references to the Bodhi Tree appear in the #accounts of #Chinese travelers Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Bodh Gaya in the 5th and 7th centuries, respectively.

In 1876, the tree, weakened by age, was ultimately destroyed during a storm. In 1881, Alexander Cunningham of the #ArchaeologicalSurveyofIndia (#ASI) undertook the replanting of a new tree, which continues to thrive today.

The descendants of the Bodhi Tree can be found across various locations. The sapling planted at #Jetavana Monastery (#UttarPradesh) by Anathapindika, Buddha’s chief disciple, is regarded as the second-holiest tree. Additionally, the Bodhi Tree located at #Anuradhapura in #SriLanka is believed to have originated from a cutting brought by Ashoka’s daughter, #Sanghamitra, in the 3rd century BCE.

Moreover, the second #stamp issued by #India #post to commemorate the 'INDEPEX-97' International Stamp #exhibition features the Bodhi Tree and carries a face value of Rs 6. For information about the previous issue, please refer to This Post