Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka on Poson Poya Day with the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka. Establishment of the order of nuns commenced with the arrival of Arahat Mahinda's sister Sangamitta Therini to Sri Lanka.

Charming Princess Sanghamitta married a Prince named Aggribrahama at the age of 16. They were blessed with a son, who was named Sumana. Renouncing a royal life, Sanghamitta entered the Sasana when she was only eighteen years old. Emperor Asoka's brother Prince Tissa, and Prince Aggribrahama entered the Buddhist order as well. With this Sri Lanka was esteemed world over as the Centre of Theravada Buddhism, with 'Maha Viharaya' in Anuradhapura established as the oldest continuing Buddhist monastery.

Sanghamitta decided to enter the sasana as a Bhikkuni under the guidance of therinis Ayupali and Dhammapali, the two elderly nuns. Arahat Bhikkuni Sangamitta arrived in Sri Lanka and established the order of the nuns or the Bhikkuni Sasanaya on Unduvap Poya Day. Further, she brought with her a sapling of the Sacred Jayasrimaha Bodhi tree from Buddhagaya, where Prince Siddhartha attained Enlightenment.

The Bo-sapling was brought to Sri Lanka; it was presented to King Devanampiyatissa, the ruler of Sri Lanka. The sapling was the southern branch from the Sri Maha Bodhi in India. The sapling planted in 288 BC, is the oldest known living human-planted tree in the world. It is one of the most sacred relics of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka today and respected by Buddhists population world over. Mahamegha Park at Anuradapura became the headquarters of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The impact created by the two visitors some 24 centuries ago yet remains the most influential by any envoy, foreign delegation, or a diplomat on the lives of the people of this Indian Ocean Island. It changed the cultural, social, and spiritual patterns in a revolutionary change in Sri Lanka. Actually, Buddhism was deeply rooted here only after the arrival of Sanghamitta theri on Unduvap Poya Day.

The Sri Maha Bodhiya, Anuradhapura becomes the centre of attraction on Unduvap Poya Day, with both the Jayasri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanveliseya premises flooded with devotees who flock from various parts to observe sil.

The arrival of Sanghamitta was the result of King Devanampiyatissa's queen Anula and other ladies of the Royal family showing an interest entering the order. They conveyed their desire to Arahat Mahinda Thera, who advised the king, Devanampiyatissa to invite his sister Sanghamitta Theri (nun) to establish the order of the nuns [ Meheni sassna].

Sanghamitta theri and her delegation was headed by Bodhigupta. They were accompanied by, according to the historical reports available, by eleven nuns including ambassador Artitta and members of various castes or trades, who specialized in various fields of arts and crafts. They brought with them "Ashtapala Bodhis" the eight Bo-saplings, which was distributed to eight provinces. Therefore Unduvap poya is important to us Sri Lankans in many ways.

The name of Sanghamitta , a role-model for all woman folk is celebrated throughout the island by holding traditional Sanghamitta Perahera to remember the theri on this poya day.

The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree is over 2260 years old. Thus this tree is the oldest tree in world in the recorded history. As the Anuradhapura era ended, the historical city of Anuradhapura including the Maha Viharaya was covered with the thick jungle and went in to ruins. But, the bhikkhus of the Maha Viharaya protected the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Maha Viharaya temple through centuries, facing all kinds of difficulties without proper quarters, food or robes, living among the wild beasts.

The Maha Viharaya thus protected so far with great sacrifices, is being restored to its former glory now. It is the responsibility of the Buddhists world over to preserve this great world heritage for the future by restoring the sacred historical places of worship in the Maha Viharaya while spreading the light of the pure Theravada Buddhism to the world.

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Theri Sanghamitta's gift to Sri Lanka