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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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Bodhgaya sacred bodhi tree recovering from virus attack by ANJANA GAMAGE News of the sacred bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, being slowly destroyed by a virus has been cause for serious concern here. And Buddhist authorities have instructed the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, to take whatever possible action to remedy the situation, through the Indian government and the UNESCO office in New Delhi. Secretary General Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, Mahinda Abeywardane, said that the sacred bo-tree located on the banks of the Neranjana river in sacred Bodhgaya in Southern Bihar, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site last year. UNESCO was prepared to offer any technical assistance to cure the virus. According to informed sources, the sacred bodhi tree (Ficus Religiosa) had been attacked by an infestation of mealy bug, a sucking insect which causes the leaves fall. On the request of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, Dr. A. K. Singh, the Regional Director, Agricultural Research Institute, Patna along with a group of scientists had visited the Mahabodhi Temple, inspected the bodhi tree and had collected some samples for laboratory tests and studies. On discovery that the tree had been infested with a mealy bug, medication had been prescribed and had been adhered to. However, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) has assured that the sacred tree in making healthy recovery from the deadly disease. Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India, Mangala Moonesinghe confirmed this, and said that Bhikku Bodhipala, Bhikku in-charge of the Maha Bodhi Temple and a member of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, had assured him that the bo-tree was showing good signs of recovery and new leaves have also sprung up after medication provided by a group of scientists from the Agricultural Research Institute of Patna. Bhikku Bodhipala has also stressed the need to educate all Buddhist pilgrims about the fact, and that the bo-tree should be kept away from human touch. He has also requested that pilgrims should avoid wrapping cloths on the tree and offering sweet tea, aerated drinks and beverages at the trunk base. He has also ordered an immediate halt to the burning of candles, oil lamps near the tree. These steps he has stated would certainly help in prolonging the longevity of the bo-tree. Meanwhile sources at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs further stated that ancient bo-tree in Bodhgaya, was not the parent tree of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. The parent plant of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi has already been destroyed. The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is believed to be the oldest authenticated tree in the world, and is the saplings of the parent tree under which Gotama Buddha attained enlightenment. |
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