Encompassed with chilled weather, I was awakened with the message that we have reached the destination of Palabatgala. I did not know that the most wonderful journey of my entire life was awaiting outside. Wandering in the vicinity, we were at the trail heading to Sri Pada.
Summiting ‘Sri Pada’ (Adam’s Peak) was an affirmed task of myself, just like almost every other Sri Lankan. Well known for the ‘Holy Footprint’ rock formation near the summit, this highland monarchy is conquered together by devotees of four religions namely Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. According to Buddhist beliefs, the rock formation is the footprint of the Lord Buddha.
I was called ‘Kodu’ and wondered why, to know that the first-time climbers of Sri Pada are known as ‘Kodu’ in Sinhala. Accompanied by the ‘Nade Guru’ or the team leader till the summit, there are numerous rituals performed when a Kodu graces the Sri Pada.
Among the list of essentials such as sweaters, earmuffs, and snacks, I loaded my backpack with a piece of clean white cloth, a few coins cleansed with turmeric water, a needle and thread, lime, coconut oil, flowers, and incense sticks to perform the devoted activities.
It was so close to a fantasy yet was a reality to explore the lush greenery and mint fresh air along the Ratnapura Palabatgala route. We walked along, passing the peak wilderness sanctuary and I had to pinch myself to believe that it was not a dream!
Our first stop was Palabathgala Rajamaha Viharaya. As per the instructions of Nade Guru, all Kodu offered flowers and tied clean coins using white cloth stripes at the temple wishing for a safe journey. Then we continued the trek till the Lihinihela Ambalama. We screamed “Lihini Akke” to the precipice, which was another ritual. According to a folktale ‘Lihini’ is a young woman who had not been able to summit Sri Pada during her pilgrim and awaiting for merits to summit in her next life. So, when we called her name to the precipice, it echoed a sound as if she acknowledged. That was one such fulfilling activity as if I supported a person to climb the mountain. Then we reached the Katukitula almshouse, gifting ourselves a break.
Enjoying a sip of handful of fresh water from Kalu ganga, we continued to walk until we reached Gettam Pana. It is said that the Lord Buddha had torn his robe and had sewed it at Gettam pana. To resonate that there is a Kodu ritual to weave here. We covered our shoulders with the white cloth and held the needle and thread above it. Then carrying it from one end to another, each of us weaved at Gettam Pana.
It was a long journey yet was the beginning of the actual hike. We then reached the Dharmaraja rock, and from there continued counting the number of steps until Sita Gangula. Sita Gangula is the water stream just before the start of the holy journey. We soaked ourselves head to toe in the freezing water and cleaned ourselves using lime. We dressed in full-white as a symbol of respect, cleanse, and spiritual divine. All our tiredness faded away once we sighted the wonderful Sri Pada Mountain above our heads from Haramiti Pana.
We then reached the Makara Thorana, which was the welcome emblem for devotees that also serves as the actual starting point of Sri Pada Mountain climb. Following the Mahagiridamba, Ehela Kanuwa and then the Ahas Gauwa (Sky summit), it was one surreal stretch of a hike. The pure white coat formed from mist blended with pleasant smell of incense sticks signaled to us that we have reached the peak of Sacred Sri Pada Mountain.
Together with devotees from across the country as well as foreign visitors, I was able to pay homage to the holy footprint. Ringing the giant metal bell one time to mark my first visit, I was also fortunate enough to witness the wonderful sunrise of the day from the top of the holy mountain.
Summitting the 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall Adam’s peak will remain the most treasured memory in my life.
Source: ASTL Team
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko