Nashik: The Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling will be planted in the Buddha Smark near Thrirashmi Caves in Nashik, Maharashtra, on 24th October 2023. Commenting on the goal of this historical event, the founder president of Shantidoot Charitable Trust and the host of Bodhi Vruksha Mahotsav Ven. Bhandan Sugath stated that this historic event aimed to “spread the message of the Buddha among people,” irrespective their caste, creed or nationality
According to the organizers of the grand event, Honorable Cabinet Minister Shri Chhaganrao Bhujbal, former guardian Mr. Sameer Bhujbal, Nashik District Collector, Nashik Police Commissioner, Additional Commissioner of Nashik Municipal Corporation and other dignitaries have lent their utmost cooperation from the very inception of the historic endeavor.
Prior to the event, the Sacred Bo Sapling will be ceremoniously conducted to Nashik from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka by Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.
He will be accompanied by Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Dr. Madampagama Assagi Anunayake Thero, Most Venerable Dr. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thero and Dr. Damenda Porage, the Chairman of the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, the host in Sri Lanka.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is scheduled to be one of the honored guests to grace this occasion with his august presence.
In addition, several other prominent Buddhist priests, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Hon. Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Ajit Pawar, the State Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Hon. Shri Chhaganrao Bhujbal, as well as a number of dignitaries from Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc. are expected to take part in this historic occasion. Another Buddhist religious ceremony at Amravati near Nagpur is scheduled to follow the Vruksha Mahotsav.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is the oldest recorded tree planted by man in the world. In addition, as one of the “paribhogika dhathu” of the Buddha, the Sacred Bo Tree is one of the most revered relics for the Buddhists all over the world. Several historical texts and inscriptions state that a cutting of the southern branch of the original Sri Maha Bodhiya in Bodhgaya, India, was brought to Sri Lanka in 288 BC by Arahath Sangamitta Theri at the behest of Arahath Mahinda Thero. These two most revered personages were the children of Emperor Asoka, the ruler of Maurya Empire which covered the Indian subcontinent. The Sacred Sapling was received with due ceremony at Dambakola Patuna, a port city to the north, by the ruler of the island nation King Dewanampiyatissa, who was a pen friend of Emperor Asoka of India, andthen conducted to Anuradhapura, the capital of the island, in procession.
Thereafter, it was planted in Maha Megha Royal Park by the king in the presence of Arahath Mahinda Thero, Arahath Sangamittha Theri and the noblemen and women of the king’s court in the month of Unduwap of 288 BC. To this day, the Sacred Bodhi Tree resides majestically ensconced on a high terrace surrounded by four Guardian Bodhi Trees where it had originally been planted more than 2300 years ago.
Subsequent kings, including King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha who built the famous Elephant Rampart, repaired the existing constructions and added new ones as a tribute to the Sacred Bo Tree’s spiritual, socioeconomic and cultural significance to the nation. Also, over the years many ceremonies and rituals have evolved with the Sacred Bodhi Tree at their center making it an integral part of the national identity. At present, the custodianship of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya rests with the Atamasthanadhipathi (the Chief Incumbent of the Eight Holy Temples, one of the most significant posts to be held by a Buddhist priest) and the assembly of lay custodians of the Atamasthanaya.
Today, a large number of Buddhists as well as followers of other faiths visit the sacred site daily,making it one of the most visited cultural attractions in Sri Lanka. Consequently, planting of the Sacred Sapling in Nashik at this point in history is of utmost significance to both India and Sri Lanka. From thepoint of view of Sri Lanka, sending back a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi tree to its country of origin is an expression of gratitude and solidarity. At the same time, it would also help to boost tourism in Nashik, bringing prosperity to the area.
05.09.2023
