Pilgrimage to Adam's Peak

Adam's Peak, Pilgrimage to

December-AprilA footprint preserved in stone is a sacred site at the top of a mountain in Dalhousie, Sri Lanka. Depending on one's religious tradition, the footprint belongs to Adam (Muslim), the Buddha, St. Thomas (Christian), or Lord Shiva (Hindu). Pilgrims have made the climb for over 1,000 years.
There are two routes to the summit of Adam's Peak, one of which takes about three hours while the other takes seven hours. Though the terrain is rugged, many pilgrims make the ascent by the light of lanterns so they can arrive at the break of dawn and catch a spectacular view of the western coastline. According to local tradition, a woman who reaches the top will be reincarnated as a man.
CONTACTS:
Living Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka
1 Horton Terrace
Colombo, 7 Sri Lanka
94-11-269-1685; fax: 94-11-722-88177
www.sripada.org
SOURCES:
Wild Planet-1995, p. 290