During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, Sanghamitta Theri brought with her a branch of the Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. This is the oldest living tree in documented history. Amidst much rejoicing and ceremony, this tree was planted at Maha Mevuna Uyana on a high terrace about 21 feet above the ground surrounded by railings and today it is one of the most sacred relics of the Buddhists in Ceylon. There are other bo-trees in close proximity to this sacred bo tree. The parapet wall round the component where the bo – tree is planted is about 700 feet in length. This wall was constructed during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe, to protect it from wild elephants.
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