Sri Pada Pilgrimage

The Sri Pada pilgrimage takes place annually between the months of December and May, where thousands gather to pay homage to the sacred footprint atop the Adam’s Peak. Few mountains the world over might have attracted as many pilgrims as this one which climbs 7000 feet above sea level.

Pilgrimage touches the four religious faith of the nation. The sacred footprint is, according to the Buddhists, that of Buddha who visited the peak at the invitation of its guardian deity. To the Hindus it is that of Shiva, the great Hindu God of Destruction. To the Christians it is that of St. Thomas, even as to the Muslims it is that of Adam who, post-expulsion from the Garden of Eden, took refuge on this mountain.

The pilgrims trail a number of customs and traditions. At a certain point during the climb, pilgrims pause en route to throw a threaded needle into the bushes;
commemorating the legend that Lord Buddha paused to mend a tear in his robe during his climb. When crossing the Seetha Gangula, a stream about half-way to the summit, pilgrims wash themselves with the icy water, which helps refresh them for the final climb. Many devotees sing religious poems as they climb to help them on their difficult journey.

Shortly before the peak, where the steps become an almost vertical stairway, pilgrims have to wait in line before proceeding to the small platform on top. After completing their worship, pilgrims ring a bell, once for every visit.