Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta Day honors the Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, for her monumental journey to Sri Lanka to propagate the Dhamma and establish the Bhikkhuni Order there. This significant day, observed on the Full Moon Day of December, commemorates her contributions to Buddhism and the establishment of monastic traditions.
To celebrate this historic occasion, the Most Venerable Parawahera Chandarathana Thero, the Chief Sangha Nayaka in France, Head of the SECSA Foundation & President of International Buddhist Center, Paris, France, organized a special commemoration ceremony on December 15, 2024, at the International Buddhist Center in Paris, France.
This day is also of universal importance to Buddhists, as Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta brought a sacred sapling of the Bodhi Tree from Bodh Gaya to Sri Lanka. Planted in Anuradhapura in 245 BCE, this tree is recognized as the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world.
Devotees from various Buddhist communities in France, including Lao, Cambodian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese, Sri Lankan, and French participants, attended this grand event. Mrs. Veronique Crombe, associated with the Guimet Buddhist Museum in Paris, addressed the gathering in both French and English. She eloquently recounted the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, highlighting the pivotal role of Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta and the sacred Bodhi Tree.
Mrs. Dinesha Samarasinghe, First Secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in France, and Mrs. Himali Ratnaweera participated in the ceremony, paying homage to Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta by offering flowers. Devotees followed suit, making floral offerings as a mark of respect.
The highlight of the event was the annual donation of Bodhi saplings. This year, three Bodhi buds were distributed: one was presented to the Royal Family of Laos, another to a Lao temple in Bordeaux, and the third to a Vietnamese temple in France. These gestures symbolize the ongoing connection to the sacred Bodhi Tree brought by Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta.
The commemoration also emphasized the historical significance of Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta’s journey. Together with her brother, Mahinda, she played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism beyond India. At the request of King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka, Emperor Ashoka sent Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta to establish the Bhikkhuni Order. She also carried a sapling of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta’s legacy extends beyond Sri Lanka. The Bhikkhuni Sangha she established laid the foundation for female monastic orders in Burma, China, and Thailand. Her contributions remain integral to the history of Theravāda Buddhism. The sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura continues to stand as a symbol of her enduring impact. Over the centuries, this revered tree has been meticulously cared for by Sri Lanka’s royal families. It holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest recorded tree, revered by Buddhists worldwide.
Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta passed away in 203 BCE at the age of 79 in Anuradhapura. Her final rites were performed with great reverence by King Uttiya, and a stupa was erected in her honor near the Bodhi Tree. Every year, the Full Moon of December, known as Unduvapa Poya or Arahant Venerable Sanghamitta Day, commemorates her arrival in Sri Lanka and her contributions to Buddhism. This observance was revived in 1903 by the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and continues to inspire Buddhists around the world.
Buddhika Sanjeewa – After visit to Paris, France.
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