It is said that when the Sri Maha Bodhi (Branch of the tree where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment) was brought from India to Sri Lanka, a sapling had separately grown out of the pot when the procession stopped for the night at Thanthirimale. Thanthrimale is famous for its ancient Buddhist temple situated in a rocky area which makes up the center of the little village. This temple has important historical significance. When the Sri Maha Bodhi (Branch of the tree where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment) was brought from India to Sri Lanka, a branch of the holy tree is said to have separately grown out of the pot as the procession carrying the tree to Anuradhapura stopped for the night. To remember this occasion, a sampling was planted in Thanthirimale. Certain believe this is the first sampling of the Sri Maha Bodhi planted in Sri Lanka. The tree was planted on a large stone layer which protect it until now.