The Bodhi Tree is often referred to as the “Tree of Awakening,” as known as the Bo Tree. This tree in Bodhgaya is 

the direct descendant of the tree under which Siddharta Gautama attained enlightenment after 49 days of mediation. Here, he became the Buddha, the “Enlightened One


Buddhist tradition has it as Siddharta Gautama finally abandoned years of rigorous fasting and asceticism by accepting milk and honey from a young woman, and then sat under the tree and vowed not to move until he gained enlightenment. 

After the 49 days of concentrated meditation, Siddharta became the Buddha and remained seated in meditation for a week after his enlightenment. Following his time he then practiced walking meditation nearby for another week.

The Bodhi Tree that exists today is not the exact one that shaded the Buddha's meditation 2,500 years ago, but it may well be a direct descendent.In the 3rd century BC, the Emperor Asoka's daughter brought a branch of the Bodhi Tree to Sri Lanka and planted it, where it still grows today. According to one tradition, Asoka's wife destroyed the original Bodhi Tree out of jealousy over the time the emperor spent there.

Other accounts have the tree destroyed in the 7th century. But most reports agree that the original tree was destroyed and replanted using a shoot from the Sri Lanka tree.Because of its close association with enlightenment, which is the goal of all Buddhists, the tree has great sacred and symbolic significance. According to some Buddhists, the Bodhi Tree is the center of the world and the site at which all Buddhas attain enlightenment. .

Early pilgrims took leaves and seeds of the Bodhi Tree back to their monasteries and homes, and sacred trees throughout India and nearby countries are likely descendents of the Bodhi Tree. Still today, it is customary to plant a Bodhi Tree in every Buddhist monastery to symbolize the presence of the dharma and Buddhist teachings.

At Bodhgaya, the Bodhi Tree is a favorite place for pilgrims to meditate and contemplate the Buddha's teachings. Many also hang prayer flags or leave offerings at the sacred site.