Rituals and the story of Sri Pada | Adam's Peak

This is one of the most important mountains in Sri Lanka with a height of 7360 feet. AKA Samanala Mountain located in Ratnapura District Sri Lanka.

Deepawamsa, the Paali chronicle of the 4^th century, referred to this as Samantha Khuuta.

The Buddhists believe that the footprint of the Lord Buddha is spotted at the summit of the mountain. To get to the top of the mountain, there are three main routes. They are Hatton, Erathna and Palabaddala which is also known as Raja Mawatha.

1)      Hatton Road

Hatton is about 200 kilometres from Colombo on the Colombo-NuwaraEliya A7 major road. This is the city closest to the mountain. There is a direct route from Hatton to Nallathanniya. The town of Nallathanniya is located at the foot of the Sri Pada Mountain. Busses run frequently between Hatton and Nallathanniya. A footpath leads to the summit of the mountain from Nallathanniya. Nearly four kilometres from there to the top.

2)      Erathna Road

This is the longest path. Starting at the Erathna area, a few kilometres from Kuruwita town on the Ratnapura-Colombo main road. The distance is over 14 kilometres. The journey to the summit takes roughly 12 to 13 hours.

3)      Palabaddala Road

This road begins in the Palabaddala area, approximately 25 kilometres from Ratnapura town. From the start, there are stairs. There is also a nearly 09 kilometres of hiking that leads to the summit. This road is connected to the Erathna road in the Heramitipana area.

Sri Pada is surrounded by Samanala Wildlife Sanctuary. All the roads pass through the sanctuary.

The pilgrims travelling over Hatton road will rest at Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa and Mahagirindambaya. In addition, little tea stalls and lavatories are provided for devotees on all three roads from the beginning to the end.

Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya Malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa, Lihinihela and Mahagirindambaya are also visited by pilgrims travelling from Erathna and Palabaddala roads.

Although these locations are distinct, they are referred to by the same name. As an example, the pilgrims travelling from Erathna road come across a stream called Seetha Gangula. However, the pilgrims travelling from Hatton road will come across another stream known as Seetha Gangula, which is not the same as the previous one. But the names are the same.

The illustration below explains everything.

 

 According to the historical records, King Valagamba, King IV Mihindu, King Vijayabahu, King I Parakramabahu, King Keerthi Sri Nishshankamalla, King II Vimaladharmasooriya, King VI Parakramabahu and King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe all travelled over Palabaddala road. That is why it is known as Raja Mawatha.

The SriPada season runs from Unduwap Poya day in December to the Vesak Poya day in May. The God Sumana Saman statue is carried to the ‘Sumana Saman’ temple at the top of the mountain through Raja Mawatha (Palabaddala) at the start of the season. The statue is kept at the Galpoththawala Temple during the off-season.

The Story of Sri Pada

Sri Lanka had been visited three times by Lord Buddha. When the Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka, the Lord Buddha was asked to visit the Sri Pada Mountain by God Sumana Saman. The locals believe that God Sumana Saman will safeguard the place.

During the third visit, the Lord Buddha arrived at Sri Pada Mountain from Kelaniya. The footprint of the Lord Buddha was then left there. For safety reasons, a stone has been placed over the original footprint and the original footprint was treasured. A fictitious footprint has been imprinted on the stone to represent the existence of the original footprint beneath it. The location is revered by people of all faiths. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians are all represented.

Rituals of Sri Pada

When someone visits SriPada for the first time, they are referred to as ‘Kodukaraya’. They have a number of rituals dedicated to them. Seethagangula is where Kodukaraya should bathe. They all have to sew in Geththampana after that. They should have to paste lime on Ehela Kanuwa and obtain Panchaseela.

Prior to the pilgrimage, people worship Sumana Saman Temple, which is located on the Ratnapura-Panadura main road, about 02 kilometers from Ratnapura town. All of the necessary items, including needles, threads and lime are sold in packages at the start of the routes.

There is a bell on top of the mountain. Pilgrims can ring it according to the number of times they have visited Sri Pada. For instance; if someone is on their third pilgrimage, they should ring the bell three times.  

People wrap a Pandura, a coin, in a clean white cloth and attach it to the shrines at the starting places of the pathways at the commencement of the journey. This is a prayer for safety during the journey. Devotees worship, pray, light lamps and place incense sticks at Udamaluwa where the sacred footprint is located.    

Irasewaya

From the summit of the mountain, the pilgrims may witness the sun rise. This is known as Irasewaya. The majority of the individuals remain there to observe this. The western end of Sri Lanka, particularly Colombo and Kalutara as well as certain areas in the North Western region, may be viewed from here. Galle and Sooriyawewa areas in Southern Province can also be seen. 

On a clear day, the peak may be seen all the way down in Colombo, Kalutara or even Ambalantota area through the southern expressway as well.

            

Natural Beauty

During the rainy season, devotees on the Hatton road may witness a series of waterfalls.

This mountain is the source of the three major rivers Kelani, Kalu and Walawe which are the giants of Sri Lanka’s agricultural and Irrigation fields. The peak creates a distinct triangle shaped shadow on the surroundings in the morning.

At the top of the mountain, there is also a strong wind as well as the cold. The Hatton road is used by the majority of people as it is the shortest way. However, Erathna road is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and streams.