The Bodhi tree reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Bodhi tree

Bodhi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Urticales Family: Moraceae Genus: Ficus Species: religiosa
Binomial nomenclature
Ficus religiosa
Ref: ITIS 506545

The Bodhi or 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 Bodhi tree or tree of wisdom is considered sacred and symbolic to Buddhists.

The leaves of this tree are somewhat unusual, being cordate in shape with a distinctive extended (or caudate) apex or tip.

See also

• List of Buddhist topics

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