Kandy Temple of the Tooth sacred Bodhi tree: botanical lineage and ritual golden railings?
What historical connections bind the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi offshoot in Kandy to ancient Anuradhapura plantings and temple protective gold enclosures?
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4 Answers from travellers
Within the outer courtyard of Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy stands a revered sacred Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa). Grown from an authenticated ceremonial offshoot of the original Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura (planted in 288 BC), this sacred fig tree is protected by a raised masonry terrace enclosed within an ornate golden-gilt railing structure (Ran Vata). Monks and pilgrims offer white jasmine garlands and lighted oil lamps around its stone base daily, venerating it as a living symbol of the Buddha's enlightenment.
Surrounding lower stone retaining walls feature carved stone reliefs depicting kneeling royal patrons and celestial guardians offering worship.
The sacred tree canopy shades the northern courtyard, providing cool relief for devotees queuing to enter the upper relic chamber.
Pruning and arboricultural health inspections are conducted periodically by senior botanists from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya.
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