Abstract

• The Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the shade of the Banyan tree (Ficus religiosa) which have been born simultaneously with him. Based on this fact, Myanmar kings held very high esteem to the sacred Bodhi tree and worshipped it as Paribhoga Ceti. With the aim of propagating and sustaining Buddhism, therefore, Myanmar kings used to plant respectfully the sacred Bodhi tree within the premises of pagodas and monasteries as a utensil of Lord Buddha. To honour Buddhism within their kingdom, moreover, Myanmar kings built a number of religious buildings and donated them to Sāsanā throughout dynasties. Furthermore, they planted the sacred Bodhi tree and built religious buildings at Buddha Gaya of India, the sacred land for Buddhists. In fact, Myanmar kings renovated Mahabodhi Ceti and preserved the sacred Bodhi tree of Buddha Gaya as possible as they could throughout history. From Bagan to Konbaung period, they sent Buddhist missionaries to Buddha Gaya to make donations, to renovate religious buildings and to conserve the sacred Bodhi tree. Since Bagan period, king and people of Myanmar used to pour water and fragrances at the foot of the sacred Bodhi tree in order to make sure it does not die of drought during the hot summer as well as to honour it as the symbol of the enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Thus, pouring water at the foot of sacred Bodhi trees on the full moon day of Kason became a religious tradition of Myanmar since monarchical time. In fact, planting the sacred Bodhi trees was supportive not only for the propagation of Buddhism but also for the promotion of cordial relations with neighbouring countries. This paper is an attempt to reveal the importance of sacred Bodhi tree in Myanmar history with special references to stone inscriptions, parabaiks, the treatises on Buddhavaṁsa, Royal Orders and other relevant historical documents.