Bodhi Tree

Coordinates: 24°41′45.29″N 84°59′29.29″E / 24.6959139°N 84.9914694°E / 24.6959139; 84.9914694

The Bodhi Tree (Sanskrit: बोधि) was a large and very old sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later known as Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment (Bodhi means awakening or enlightenment). In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. It is also known as Bo (from Sinhalese: Bo) and "peepal tree" in Nepal and Bhutan,

The term "Bodhi Tree" is also widely applied to currently existing trees, particularly the Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) growing at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is a direct descendant planted in 288 BC from the original specimen. This tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Other holy Bodhi trees which have a great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree. Bodhi trees are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist monastery.