It is obvious that the tree that has grown 2 500 years ago in Nepal, hasn’t been preserved to our days. The sight that travelers can admire today in the Indian town of Bodh Gaya is a direct descendant of prehistoric Bodhi tree. The tree in Nepal, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, did not survive. A new tree of its seed was grown in Sri Lanka, in the city of Anuradhapura. At this time, the head of state was the king Asoka. He guarded the tree and treated it as the most important religious shrine.
When the King Pushyamitra came to power, he ordered to destroy many buildings by its predecessor, as well as to cut down the sacred tree. After the death of the king of Sri Lanka, a new tree was planted; it managed to survive for more than 800 years. In the 6th century, the tree died. A new one was immediately planted on its place. It lasted until 1876, when it fell down during a hurricane. The Bodhi Tree that travelers can see today in the city of Bodh Gaya, is the germ of that same mother tree located at Anuradhapura. It looks very impressive. Magnificent Buddha statues and other amazing religious artifacts are set around it.
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