This is the most renowned Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. This is because it is believed to be the southern branch sapling of the bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment in India. And it is also the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with known planting date. This tree was brought to this holy land by Ven. Sangamitta, the sister of Ven. Arahath Mahinda who introduced Buddism to Sri Lanka. And the tree was believed to be brought and planted in Anuradhapura in 288 BC. Over 2000 years this tree has been tended and guarded by an uninterrupted succession of guardians.
The Uda Maluwa is 35 ft above the ground and the wall of it was believed to be constructed by the king Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe in order to protect it from wild animals such as elephants. And the accompanying bodhi trees or the pariwara bo trees were planted under the leadership of the late Ven. Pallegama Rewatha Thera in order to camouflage and protect the Sacred bo tree from a natural disaster like heavy wind and rain.
It is a prominent feature that almost all the Sri Lankan leader seeks the blessings of Sri Maha Bodhi before starting any important work.