Sri Pada – Adams Peak ( Sacred Moutains)
Mountains with their natural beauty and loneliness have attracted many spiritual seekers to grow in their prayer life and meditation. Sri Pada, Mihintalaya, Thiriyaya and Sigiriya are some famous sacred mountains in Sri Lanka.
Among the other sacred mountains in Sri Lanka Sri Pada is the most famous, most visited, most revered mountain in Sri Lanka. Sri Pada is in the central highland of Sri Lanka, 2243 meters in height.
The most beautiful fact is this mountain is considered holy by the four greatest religions Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. They have their own reason to consider this place a holy one.
In Sanskrit language Sri Pada is called as Mount Lanka, Rathnagiri (Mountain of gems), Malayagiri, Mount Rohana. In Tamil it is called as Svargarohanam (Ascent to Heaven). Portuguese called as Pico de Adam and the English called as Adam’s Peak. Mahavamsa the great chronicle of Sri Lanka called Sri Pada as Samanthakuta (Samantha’s Adobe) in modern Sinhalese it is called Samanalakanda ( Saman’s Mountain).
A local god called Samantha sometimes Sumana or Saman had been living in this mountain long before Buddhism came to Sri Lanka. Later god Saman was made the guardian of Sri Lanka and the guardian god of Theravada Buddhism.
Sri Pada means in Sinhala Language Holy Feet. On the summit of this mountain there is a mysterious mark and the Buddhist called it is the foot print of Buddha, The Muslims and the Christians believe that it is the footprint of Adam the first man. Hindus believe that it is the foot print of Lord Shiva.
The Ascent.
The summit is about three kilometers long and a three to four hour trek. The ascent starts at the Makara Dvara (Dragon Gateway) from the bus stop from Dalhousie entrance.
Before electric lights were installed, pilgrims had to carry candles or hurricane lamps. During the season the street lamps are lit to make easy access to the summit for pilgrims. While you proceed you will pass the pilgrim rest houses, offering shelter, medical assistance, food and water to pilgrims. The tradition of offering hospitality to pilgrims is an ancient one in Sri Lanka.
Pilgrims who are going to Sri Pada traditionally greet each other by saying “Karunava” (compassion to you) now a days some elders will greet not so common with the young. If you greet this way to people you meet you are sure in return you will get a warm smile and similar greeting.
The Sama Chaithya
Sama Chaithya (Peace Pagoda) is built by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk, and you will find it on your way to summit. There are some Japanese monks who are taking care of this chaithya.
The Bagava Cave / Divaguha
About 45 meters from the summit you will find the Bagava Cave. Pilgrims find shelter here at night and storms. In ancient times the monks used to stay here in the off season and had to eat wild fruit and herbs.
The Divaguha (another cave) on the slopes of Sri Pada is where the Buddha is said to have rested.
Sacred Foot Print and things to see in the summit.
On the top of the summit there are few buildings to see, Belfry with the bell, shrine of God Saman, and the Sacred Footprint.
View and Sunrise.
James Emerson Tennet’s description says “The Panorama from the summit of Adams Peak perhaps the greatest in the world”.
Most of the pilgrims assemble on the eastern side of the summit before the sunrise, waiting for the sun. The most pious people will shout “ Sadhu” at the moment they see the sunrise.
If the weather is clear, you will see the perfectly triangular shadow of the mountain lying over the landscape, if there is light mist even the shadow will appear. This strange phenomenon is supposed to occur only in one place in the world i.e. Arizona according to James Emerson Tennet.
When to go.
The pilgrim season starts on every full moon (poya day) of December each year and ends on the full moon day of May. Weekends and full moon days are crowded. Most people start the climb 2.00 am and will reach the summit around 5.30 am to see the sunrise.
What to bring
Bring only what you likely need. There are stalls all the way on the Dalhousie path; Prices are higher than the normal. It is better to bring your snacks and water. (The guest houses and the Hotels near Dalhousie will give you a picnic pack). It is fine to have some warm cloths, rain coat, umbrella, a torch is useful and if you have your Binocular.
Article by: Gerard Alexander