The Bodhi Tree holds deep spiritual significance among Buddhists in Nepal as a descendant of the original tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Often called the Bo Tree or Sacred Fig tree, it represents the site of Buddha's divine realization.
Bodhi Trees commonly grow in temple grounds and nature trails across Nepal as symbols of his awakening and the country's Buddhist heritage. They represent continuity, with graftings directly linking present Bodhi Trees to the original tree Buddha sat under in meditation.
B. Connection to Nepalese Buddhist Traditions
Bodhi Tree legends prominently feature in Buddhist scripts, artwork and observances across Nepal. The leaf shape often appears in decorative embellishments and the tree serves as the focus of ritual circumambulations, garlanding and lighting of prayer lamps.
As in India's Bodhgaya, Nepalese Buddhists regard the Bodhi Tree as the axis point bridging human, temporal realms with timeless enlightened planes. By honoring Bodhi Trees, devotees perpetually refresh their connection to Buddhist awakening.