A mountain shared by faiths
Sri Pada, meaning “sacred footprint” in Sinhala, is a conical peak in the hills of south-central Sri Lanka, also known as Adam’s Peak and, in Sinhala, as Samanalakanda. Its height is commonly given as roughly 2,240 metres. Near the summit is a rock formation with a hollow shaped somewhat like a human footprint, protected by a small shrine. Different communities honour it in different ways, and none of those readings is the only one.
- Many Sinhalese Buddhists regard the mark as the footprint of the Buddha, left on a visit to the island according to tradition.
- Many Hindus associate it with Shiva, and call it Sivanolipadam.
- Many Muslims and some Christians associate it with Adam, who is said in their traditions to have stood there after leaving paradise, hence the name Adam’s Peak.
A related tradition connects the mountain with the deity Saman, a guardian of the area who is honoured in Sinhala Buddhist practice, and the peak’s Sinhala name refers to him. The Buddha footprint shrines found in other countries follow a similar pattern, in which a sacred impression stands for the presence of the Buddha.
The night climb
The usual practice is to climb at night in order to reach the summit before dawn. Pilgrims ascend by a long stair of stone steps, with lights strung along the route in the main season, and rest at tea stalls and resting places on the way. At the top they wait in the cold for the sunrise. Many make offerings and see the footprint shrine, and bells at the summit are traditionally rung by those who have made the climb, though customs differ.
A moving sight for many is the shadow of the mountain, often described as triangular, which can be seen falling across the land at dawn when the sky is clear. Weather often interferes, and clear views are never guaranteed.
Several approaches exist. The shorter and more commonly used route begins from the Nallathanni side near Hatton and rises by a stair of thousands of steps. Longer routes, such as the one from Ratnapura side, take more hours and are often used by those who prefer a slower pilgrimage walk. Time needed varies widely with fitness, crowding and conditions, so avoid relying on exact estimates.
Season and conditions
The main pilgrimage season is generally described as running from around the December full moon through to around the Vesak full moon in May, in the drier months. During that time the paths are lit, stalls operate, and many pilgrims climb. Outside the season, the mountain is much quieter, facilities may be closed, and the monsoon rains and mist can make the path slippery and dangerous.
The climb is demanding and should be treated seriously:
- The summit can be cold and windy, even though the lowlands are hot. Pilgrims often take warm clothing and a light to carry.
- The steps are uneven and steep in places and can be slippery when wet.
- Crowds can be heavy on full moon days and weekends, with long queues on the stair.
- Visitors with heart, breathing or mobility concerns, or small children, should take medical advice before attempting the climb.
Safety on a crowded stair is not guaranteed. General crowd safety awareness is sensible, as is monsoon travel planning, since weather can change quickly. Season dates, closures, lighting, access and rules for the climb are set locally, and they change, so please check current official sources and recent local advice before you plan.
Behaving respectfully
The climb is a religious act for most of the people on the path, not a hike with a view. Many pilgrims chant or recite devotional verses on the way. Courtesy includes giving way to older pilgrims, keeping voices low and not littering. Dress modestly, even in the cold, and remove shoes at the summit shrine. Avoid taking photographs of worshippers at the summit without asking, and take care with lights and flash near the shrine.
Offerings carried up the mountain, such as flowers or incense, should be kept simple, and any rubbish should be carried down. Because the mountain is sacred to several communities, avoid comparisons that rank one tradition’s interpretation above another, and avoid remarks that may offend.
Why people climb
For many pilgrims the effort of the ascent is itself part of the devotion. Climbing through the night, side by side with others from different communities, is a shared act with a long history, and it is one of the best known pilgrimage experiences on the island. Whatever one’s own beliefs, it is worth approaching the mountain as a place of living devotion, with preparation, humility and a flexible plan.