The Sacred Mountain of Multiple Beliefs. (Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka)
Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka, also called Sri Pada or Samanalakanda, is a cone-shaped mountain situated in central Sri Lanka with a height of 2,243 meters (7,359 feet). A significant feature of the mountain is the sacred footprint rock formation near the summit. According to Buddhist tradition, the footprint belongs to Buddha, while in Hindu tradition, it is of Shiva. Islamic and Christian tradition believes it to be Adam’s or St. Thomas’s footprint.
From Sacred Summit to Precious Gem Source.
Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka is also vital as a watershed, and the southern and eastern districts of the mountain are famous for producing precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, which have earned the island its ancient name of Ratnadvipa.
The Traditional Pilgrimage Season.
The traditional pilgrimage season to Sri Pada begins in December on the full moon and concludes in April on the full moon. It is recommended to avoid weekends and full moon days as the mountain can be very crowded. Most pilgrims prefer to hike at night to reach the summit in time for sunrise. Six trails provide access to the mountain: Ratnapura-Palabaddala, Hatton-Nallathanni, Kuruwita-Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte, and Malimboda. Although the Hatton trail is the steepest, it is approximately five kilometers shorter than the other trails and is the route that most pilgrims take by ascending via Hatton and descending via Ratnapura.
