Mahabodhi Tree and Anuradhapura Dagobas

      ANURADHAPURA  the UNESCO heritage city was the  Capital of Srilankan  kingdoms for more than  1500 years from  400 BC to 1000 AD. It was attacked by Tamil  kings during  various periods in its 1500 year history. It contains  many Buddhist  Dagobas ( Stupas) which are more than  2000 years old. The  most  important  religious place  is the  Mahabodhi tree which is more  than 2200 years old. A branch of the  Bodhi Tree from  Bodhgaya  in India  was brought  here by Sangamitra daughter of  Ashoka the  Great when she was sent by Ashoka to  spread  Buddhism in the  Island.  It was planted here by King  Devanampiya  Tissa in 288 BC who converted to  Buddhism. Our guide said that  a majority of the Buddhists visit the holy place at least once a year and pray here and invariably their prayers are answered.  I could see the  Srilankan  Buddhists in their white attire praying profusely. The  compound  wall of the place was built by last Kandy Sinhalese king Vikrama Rajasimha  who was deposed by British  in 1815 AD and exiled to Vellore  where he died in 1832. The  place is still maintained by the descendents of those  who came  with  Sangamitra.  The  pure white  Ruwanweli Stupa raising to 338 feet was built by King Dutugamunu  in 144 BC.  The  other brick Stupa Jetavanarama standing tall at 400 feet was built in 3rd century  AD making it tallest Stupa in ancient  world.