Lanka Pictures Page: Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

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The Experience

Some places in the world are so mesmerizing and fascinating that they immediately ignite the imagination. Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka is one such place that has been sparking the attention of the Sri Lankans and other international travellers for centuries. Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada is the fifth highest peak in the country, and has long been a pilgrimage site that draws thousands of pilgrims and travellers alike every year.

There are many legends associated with Adam’s Peak. One of these legends says that it is the very spot where Adam first set his foot on earth after being expelled from heaven. Buddhists believe that the impressions on the bare rock at the summit of the peak are the footprints (Sri Pada) of Lord Buddha. People believe that Buddha himself left his footprint on the rock in one of his visits to the mountain. According to the Hindus in Sri Lanka, these footprints are that of Lord Shiva. Then there are many who say the sacred footprints belong to St Thomas, the early apostle of India. Whatever the truth is, Sir Pada remains essentially a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and has been worshipped by the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka for centuries.

For most of the visitors wishing to climb Adam’s Peak, it usually starts from Dalhousie, a small village located on the northern side of the peak. Ratanpura used to be the favorite spot to start the journey up Sri Pada’s summit. From Dalhousie, it is about a 7-km climb to the top of the peak, and it takes around 3–4 hours, on an average, to complete. Devotees start their journey in the nighttime so that they reach the top of Adam’s Peak for sunrise. There are countless steps (approximately 5,200), and you’ll need a torch to walk in the dark. On the way to the summit, you pass through an entrance arch, Friendship Dagoba, and many tea shops.

As you climb Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, you may find the place pretty cold and windy. Pilgrims reaching the top worship the holy footprints on the rock. However, the most spectacular sight to enjoy there is the “Shadow of the Peak” that is cast by the rising sun. The shadow is in the form of a triangle, and remains suspended in the mid air for about 15–20 minutes. Devotees believe this shadow is created by the mystical powers of the mountain.

There is a temple at the summit of Adam’s Peak which remains heavily crowded during the pilgrimage season (December to May) and especially in the months of January and February. Pilgrims offer prayers at the temple and then start moving down before it becomes too hot to walk outside.