Delving into the Kalutara Bodhiya’s Rich History - Discover a Sacred Tree in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to sacred Bodhi trees linked to Buddhism and one such revered attraction is the Kalutara Bodhiya which is steeped in history too; read on to find out more.

Where Is It?

This well-known site of interest is in the charming coastal city of Kalutara; resort options that are certified ‘Safe and Secure’ can be found here which are also within easy reach of this sacred tree. It stands near the banks of a river beside the Galle-Colombo main road and is across from the equally famous Kalutara Temple.

And So, The Story Begins...

The story of the Kalutara Bodhiya begins in the 2nd century B.C. when King Devanampiya Tissa was instructed to plant 32 saplings of Anuradhapura’s Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree around the island; one of these locations was Kalutara. The significance of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is that it was grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha found enlightenment in India.

A Tale of Two Trees

Interestingly, at the site of the Kalutara Bodhiya are two sacred trees. Apart from the one mentioned above which is at the upper terrace, there is another Bodhi tree at the lower terrace; it dates to 1042 A.D. and was planted by a Pandyan prince from one of the original Bodhi saplings brought from India by Arhat Sangamitta theri.

The Tree Today

Despite facing the threat of destruction during the Portuguese colonial period, the Kalutara Bodhiya endured and still stands as an important symbol for Buddhists across the island. If you visit on a poya day (full moon day) or Buddhist holiday, you can see devotees clad in white sometimes chanting, which adds to the site’s charm.