Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura, the oldest tree in the world, is among the sacred eight places of worship (Atamasthana) of Buddhists all over the world. It is the southern sprout of the original Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodhgaya in India.

The sapling was brought here by Sangamitta Therani, the only daughter of King Dharmashoka of India and the sister of Arhat Mahinda who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devnampiyatissa (306BC-266 BC).

Dambakola Patuna (Jambukola Pattana), located about 20 km from Jaffna town and 10 km from Kankasanthurai is the place where Sangamitta Therani, with the sacred sapling, landed. It was later planted in Anuradhapura Mahamewna Uyana.