Yes, the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is still alive. It is believed to be a branch from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamitta, is said to have taken this branch and planted it in Sri Lanka over 2,200 years ago.
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The Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is highly revered by Buddhists and is considered one of the most sacred trees in the world. It is located within the Mahamevnawa Park, which is part of the Mahavihara Buddhist monastery. The tree is protected by a golden fence, and devotees from around the world visit it to pay their respects and meditate under its shade.
The tree has been well-documented throughout history and is considered the oldest continually documented tree in the world. There are records and inscriptions dating back many centuries that mention the Bodhi tree and its significance. The Sri Maha Bodhi Trust, established to protect and maintain the tree, has been instrumental in its preservation.
It is worth noting that the Bodhi tree is a type of fig tree (Ficus religiosa) and has a unique ability to propagate itself through cuttings. So even if the original tree in Bodh Gaya were to perish, the lineage and significance of the tree would still continue through its offspring.
In summary, the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is alive and well. It is a revered symbol for Buddhists worldwide and holds great historical and cultural significance as the oldest continually documented tree in the world.