The sacred bodhi tree is central to Anuradhapura in both a spiritual and physical sense. It was grown from a branch brought in from Bodhgaya in India and is believed to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The Buddhists consider this tree holy as it says that under Sri Maha Bodhi is where Gautama Buddha has attained enlightenment.
Today thousands of devotees come to make offerings, particularly on poya (full-moon) days and weekends. Sunset is a magical time to visit Sri Maha bodhi premises.