Bodhi sapling from the sacred Bodhi tree planted in the Mahamevnāwa Gardens, was brought to Kataragama under the guidance of Arahant Mahinda Thero and King Devānampiyatissa. This Bodhi sapling was then planted near the Kirivehera, by the beautiful banks of the Menik Ganga. Even though the Kiri viharaya, the stupa, and the monastery later fell into ruin, the highly revered religious object that now stands in Kataragama is this very same Bodhi tree. This is referenced by the phrase, “Ekaṁ Rōhaṇa Janapadamhi Kācaragāme”.
It is an ancient tradition that every offering ritual conducted for the Kirivehera and the Maha Devalaya should also be performed for the sacred Maha Bodhi. Every Saturday, a ceremonial ritual is held using water brought from the Menik Ganga, which is called the Nanumura (ritual bathing ceremony).Although there may no longer be royal processions (uduwiyan in pāwāḍa), if the Sri Maha Bodhi offering is conducted properly and with devotion, it is believed that the era of prosperity in Ruhuna will once again dawn without a doubt.
It is clearly evident to anyone who gazes upon the sacred Bodhi tree that King Mahasena, who attained Sotapanna (the first stage of enlightenment), after his death in the human realm, has been spiritually absorbed into this very Bodhi tree and now resides as a divine being endowed with immense spiritual power and a lifespan lasting for an entire eon.
