Rituals

Ashtapala
Bodhi Pooja

A sacred offering at one of the eight Bodhi saplings planted during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

SACRED BODHI TREE

The Ashtapala Ruha Bodhi at Kataragama

During the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta Maha Theri brought a sapling of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to Sri Lanka, which was planted in the Mahamevnawa Uyana in Anuradhapura. The Mahavamsa records that eight Bodhi saplings that sprouted from that sacred tree were offered to Kshatriya royal families across the island, including the royal family of Kataragama, who took part in that auspicious Bodhi-planting ceremony.

The Ashtapala Bodhi Tree Shrine at Kirivehera The Ashtapala Bodhi Tree Shrine at Kirivehera The Ashtapala Bodhi Tree Shrine at Kirivehera The Ashtapala Bodhi Tree Shrine at Kirivehera

A Living Link to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Ashtapala Ruha Bodhi, planted in this manner, can be seen behind the Maha Devalaya building within the present-day premises of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya in Ruhuna.

It is also noteworthy that, among the eight Ashtapala Ruha Bodhi trees planted at eight locations across Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, only the Ashtapala Ruha Bodhi at Kataragama has been preserved to this day. It stands as one of the sacred monastic elements of the historic Kirivehera Raja Maha Viharaya complex.

Wish to Visit the Ashtapala Bodhiya?

Plan your pilgrimage to pay respect at this sacred Bodhi tree alongside your visit to Kirivehera. Our staff can guide you on visiting the Bodhi, which stands within the Kataragama Maha Devalaya premises.

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