Anuradhapura, a sacred city, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The main reason for this is the was Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in the area. This sacred tree was planted in the Royal Garden of the Maha Meghawanaya in 236 BC. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest tree in the world. It was brought to Sri Lanka by Arahat Sangamitta Maha Theree, daughter of King Asoka of India during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The Southern Tree of the Sacred Tree, which was helped to the Buddha to obtain enlightenment, has been planted in Anuradhapura.
It is a specialty here that, this highly sacred Bodhi could be seen and worshipped by anyone without hindrance.
