Sri Padasthana is a 2243-meter high mountain located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It has become famous because it contains the footprints of Lord Buddha. Siri Pada Mountain is located in the Ratnapura District of the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka.
Mount Sri Pada is surrounded by large mountain ranges. It is home to elephants, Sri Lankans’ Leopard species, and other endemic animal species. We can reach Sri Padasthana in about 6 ways. These roads are…
- Ratnapura-Palabaddala
- Hatton-Nallathanni
- Kuruwita-Eratna
- Muriyawatta
- Mukuwatta
- Malimboda
Out of these 6 roads, Nallathanni and Palabaddala roads are the most famous.
Buddhists believe that the Supreme Buddha’s footprint is inscribed on the top of the Sri Pada mountain.
Sri Padasthana is also known as Samanala Kanda. It is said that butterflies are considered to inhabit the Sripadasthana during their annual migration.
Sri Padasthana is also known as “Samantha Koota“ considering that Lord Sumana Saman resides in Sri Padasthana. It is also mentioned that Sri Padasthana is also known as “Ratnagiri“, “AdamsPeak“ and “Swargarohanam“.
Climbing the Sri Pada mountain is a difficult task. It takes thousands of steps, and it takes hours to climb to the top. Pilgrimage to Sri Pada begins every year on Uduwap Poya Day and ends on Vesak Full Poya Day. In other months it is very difficult to climb Sri Padasthanaya.
Recent surveys indicate that Mount Sripada receives heavy rainfall, strong winds, and heavy fog during these months.
People also have a traditional ritual associated with climbing Sri Pada. It should be noted that the first pilgrim to ascend the Sri Pada is called the “Kodukara“ and must bathe in the stream known as the “Seetha Gangula“. Also, needles and thread should be attached to the so-called “needle lamp”.
It is also a wonderful activity for the devotees to sing various folk poems while climbing the mountain.
Once the pilgrims have climbed to the top of the hill, it is a long-standing practice to ring the bell according to the number of times they have visited the shrine.
Climbing Mount Sri Pada at night is a unique experience. The path illuminated by light bulbs appears to the pilgrim as a path to the stars. The intention of the Sri Pada pilgrim is to climb to the top of the hill before sunrise. It is popularly known as ‘Ira Sevaya’ and watching the sunrise at the top of the hill is an unforgettable experience.
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| Watching the Sunrise |
It is also possible to mention a few special words used by the devotees going on the Siripa pilgrimage. Some of them are Nade, Nade Guru, Kodu, Kiri Kodu, Light, Snow, Kindness, Paying, Mistaking, Kode, Ambalama, and Padma.
Pilgrims also pray to Sumana Saman for their help during the Siripa journey.
According to Buddhists, Sumana Saman, the presiding deity of the Supreme Buddha, resides at the foot of the mountain and resides at the top of the hill.
