Bodhi tree

Bodhi

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Urticales
Family:	Moraceae
Genus:	Ficus
Species:	religiosa

Binomial nomenclature

Ficus religiosa

Ref: ITIS 506545 (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506545)

The Bodhi (or short Bo) or Peepul tree (Ficus religiosa), is a fig species and the sacred tree for Buddhists.

The most famous Bodhi tree is located about 60 miles from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar, under which Gautama Buddha, spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism, arrived at Bodhi (lit. (supreme) knowledge, Enlightenment).

The tree is a frequent tourist destination for pilgrims since it is next to the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, one of four holy sites to Buddhists. It was while meditating under this tree (mentioned as Assattha in the Tipitaka) that Siddhartha Gautama achieved Nirvana. Therefore, the sacred Bo-tree or tree of wisdom is considered sacred and symbolic to Buddhists.