What is the Bodhi Tree?
Q: What is the Bodhi Tree?
A: The Bodhi Tree is a large and very old sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa).
Q: Why is the Bodhi Tree significant?
A: The Bodhi Tree is significant because Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism, achieved Bodhi (spiritual enlightenment) while sitting under this tree.
Q: What is the significance of the heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi Tree?
A: The heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi Tree make it easily recognisable.
Q: What does the term "Bodhi tree" refer to other than the tree at the Mahabodhi Temple?
A: The term "Bodhi tree" is also applied to some existing trees, particularly the Sacred Fig growing at the Mahabodhi Temple, which is probably a direct descendant of the original tree.
Q: Why do pilgrims visit the Bodhi Tree?
A: The Bodhi Tree is a frequent place for pilgrims to visit, being the most important of the four holy sites for Buddhists.
Q: Where is the Mahabodhi Temple located?
A: The Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya.
Q: What religion is associated with the Bodhi Tree?
A: Buddhism is the religion associated with the Bodhi Tree.