Bodhi tree
| Bodhi | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial nomenclature | ||||||||||||||
| Ficus religiosa | ||||||||||||||
| Ref: ITIS 506545 |
The Bodhi (or short Bo) or Peepul tree (Ficus religiosa), is a type of fig species (Family Moraceae) and the sacred tree for Buddhists. The most famous Bodhi tree is located about 60 miles from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar, under which Gautama Buddha, spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism, arrived at Bodhi (lit. (supreme) knowledge, enlightenment).
The tree near Patna is a frequent tourist destination for pilgrims since it is next to the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, one of four holy sites to Buddhists. It was while meditating under this tree (mentioned as Assattha in the Tipitaka) that Siddhartha Gautama achieved Nirvana. Therefore, the Bo-tree or tree of wisdom is considered sacred and symbolic to Buddhists.
Leaves and trunk of a Bo tree. Note the distinctive
leaf shape ()
