According to historical records, it was King Pushyamitra Sunga who destroyed the Bodhi tree. King Pushyamitra Sunga was the first ruler of the Shunga Empire, which was a dynasty that ruled over Northern India from 185 to 73 BC.
Read a related post: Which tree is 2000 years old?
During his reign in the 2nd century BC, King Pushyamitra Sunga was known for his hostility towards Buddhism. He is believed to have been a follower of Brahmanism, which was in conflict with Buddhism at the time. As a result, King Pushyamitra Sunga targeted Buddhist establishments and symbols, such as the Bodhi tree.
The Bodhi tree holds great significance for Buddhists as it is under this tree that Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, achieved enlightenment. It is considered a sacred symbol and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Despite efforts to protect the Bodhi tree, King Pushyamitra Sunga ordered its destruction. This act was seen as a deliberate attempt to suppress Buddhism and eradicate its symbols. However, it’s important to note that the tree was not completely destroyed; rather, it was cut down, but managed to regrow from its roots.
Centuries later, in 600 AD, King Shashanka continued the legacy of hostility towards Buddhism by cutting the Bodhi tree once again. King Shashanka was the first independent ruler of the Gauda Kingdom in the Bengal region. His actions were seen as further attempts to undermine Buddhist influence in the region.
The destruction of the Bodhi tree by these kings highlights the historical conflict between different religious, cultural, and political forces in ancient India. Despite these acts, Buddhism managed to survive and flourish in other parts of the world, and the Bodhi tree remains a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening for Buddhists today.