The sacred Bo sapling arrives in our land
Four lunar phases occur every month of which the Full Moon Poya is the most important to Buddhists. This year, Unduvap Full Moon Poya falls on December 29.
Unduvap is the last full moon poya of the year and is significant to Buddhists in Sri Lanka. During the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka of India brought a sapling from the Sri Maha Bodhi, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This was on a request made by King Devanampiya Tissa on the advice of Arahant Mahinda Maha Thera as Princess Anula wished to join the Bhikkhuni Sasana.
The Arahant Theri accompanied by other bhikkhunis who had entered the Buddha Sasana arrived at Dambakolapatuna in the north. There were many from the royal family, nobles and others who arrived in Lanka. With the arrival of Theri Sanghamitta, the Bhikkhuni Sasana was established in the month of Unduvap, with Princess Anula being ordained as the first bhikkhuni in Lanka.
King Devanampiya Tissa received the Bo sapling paying great obeisance and it was taken in a specially decorated chariot to Anuradhapura, where it was planted in the Mahamevuna Uyana (garden). Buddhists consider the Bo tree as one of the most sacred relics and pay their respects with great reverence. Due to its historic importance, even non Buddhists visit the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, considered as the oldest planted tree in the world. It is tended with great care and respect. From the day it was established in the Mahamevuna Uyana, to-date, the religious theva (duties) are conducted three times daily, weekly, monthly and yearly in addition to the special poojas that are performed.
Many Buddhists in Sri Lanka observe sil by adhering to the eight precepts on Poya day by visiting temples. At the Sri Maha Bodhi too, there are hundreds of devotees who observe sil on Unduvap Poya. They meditate and listen to Dhamma talks delivered by monks. There are also many other religious activities conducted and the Sanghamitta perahera(procession) is given prominence.