What is "bodhi tree"

n. 1 The Indian fig tree, ''Ficus religiosa'', that is sacred to Buddhism 2 (context Buddhism English) The specific fig tree under which the Buddha sat when he attained enlightenment; the descendant of that tree on the same spot at Bodh Gaya

The Bodhi Tree ( Sanskrit: बोधि) also known as Bo (from Sinhalese: Bo) and " peepal tree" in Nepal and Bhutan, was a large and very old sacred fig tree ( Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment ( Bodhi). In religious iconography, the Bodhi Tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.

The term "Bodhi Tree" is also widely applied to currently existing trees, particularly the Sacred Fig ( Ficus religiosa) growing at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is often cited as a direct descendant from the original specimen planted in 288 BC. This tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Other holy Bodhi trees which have a great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree. Bodhi trees are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist monastery.