An annual event:

Pilgrimage to Sri Pada

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Sri Pada is a place of historic and cultural significance. This magnificent peak of sacred value blessed by Thathagatha the perfect one, signifies that, it is the most sanctified place associated with the life of the Buddha in Sri Lanka.

The usual procedure or the common way was to build stupas enshrining Buddha relics to honour the Buddha and preserve it for future generations.

The most remarkable feature or the biggest marvel here is setting the footprint by the living Buddha. Sri Pada the sacred feet as the name suggests indicate that Sakyamuni Gautama has visited the peak to place his foot print.

Hence Sri Pada is the most sanctified place visited by Sakyamuni and it is the place that should be visited by devout Buddhists. This is another sacred landmark and a perfect gift to Sri Lanka by Sakyamuni and it remains to this day as a great monument and this Holy spot is one that every Buddhist should visit at least once in a lifetime.

Season adhered

Sri Pada pilgrimage season begins in December ends in April with the Sinhala New Year, supposed to be the dry season which facilitates the climb to the peak.

The beginning of the season is most welcome news to the pilgrims who await with no less patience to gather merits by visiting the sacred spot. This is a delightful merit bestowing journey bringing joy filled with overwhelming sraddah.

This is as important as the sacred places in India where Sakyamuni Gautama lived and preached Dhamma. Ever since Sri Pada has become the most venerated place of pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees during this season. The Buddhists look forward to this season with much piety and anxiety.

History back to its origin

The earliest available documentary sources Mahavamsa, Deepawamsa and Samanthapasadika give an elaborate account of the Thathagatha’s visits to Sri Lanka, to Sri Pada in particular.

The history of the peak then known as Samanala Kanda is deeply embedded in the folklore and legend too. Its legendary beginning will be of interest.

History of Sri Pada is said to go back to the time of Sakyamuni Gautama visiting Sri Lanka long before the official introduction of Buddhism by Ven. Arahat Mahinda even before the arrival of Vijaya who is said to have landed here on Vesak Full Moon Day that Sakyamuni had passed away in Kusinara.

After attaining enlightenment and setting in motion the wheel of Dhamma, sending his disciples on the sasanic tour, subduing the Jatila brothers (the most celebrated event after gaining spiritual supremacy) Sakyamuni is said to have focused his attention on Sri Lanka.

History reveals that Sakyamuni had arrived at Mahiyangana and the rough opponents of the Yakka tribe had been miraculously won overhelping them to be good citizens. The most significant event at this juncture was the presence of Deva Maha Sumana the, guardian God of Mount Samanala who begged Sakyamuni to give something to worship on his first visit to the island.

Accordingly he gave a handful of hair which was enshrined in Mahiyangana Dagoba built on the spot where Thathagatha made his first visit to the island. God Saman attained Sotapanna as well. His second visit was to Nagadeepa in the fifth year of his enlightenment to settle a dispute between two Naga kings who accepted Buddhism zealously.

Thathagatha’s third visit here was to Kelaniya in the eighth year of Buddhahood, at the invitation of the Naga King the ruler of Kelaniya who also had become a faithful devotee of Dhamma subsequently.

The Thatagatha in the course of the same visit arrived at Sri Pada at the invitation of God Saman and placed his foot print on the peak - the most venerated, serene and holy place where rich Buddhist heritage is preserved. This has different meanings to different nationalities in the island.

The generally accepted view is that Sri Pada is in the possession of all of them - Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims. To Hindus it is a treasure of Hindu deities, to Christians, it is Adam’s Peak said to be associated with Adam.

In one of the stanzas recited to worship the peak there is reference to a Muslim area (Yonaka pure muni Noacha padam). However the majority of pilgrims who ascend the summit are Buddhists coming from all parts of the island.

True spirit of the pilgrims

Sri Pada pilgrimage is never looked upon as another joyous tourist trip. It is purely spiritual and holy and immensely sacred. it is never a fun filled trip as the present day urban crowd think it to be due to their ignorance of its real significance. The old mature people participate in this pilgrimage in its true spirit, adhering to the ancient traditions followed by their forefathers.

In rural areas their overflowing sharaddah is well exhibited from beginning to the very end and also before they embark on the pilgrimage. This worthy occasion keep them busy days before the event preparing for the grand journey.

Prior to the event a series of activities take place in a Buddhist abode regarding cleaning and preparation for the pilgrimage. In ancient times they have been using the bullock cart for travel spending a long time, when the present day transport facilities were unheard of.

Just a day before they start the tour, they would visit their village temple for blessings of safe journey. Carrying the necessary equipment they will then start the far journey.

The group referred to as nade would proceed with nade gura supposed to be a well informed all rounder; to the destination - until they reach the cold stream (Seetha Gangula) the bathing place where they bathe and get ready for the final upward journey to the sacred summit, passing the popularly known Indikatu paana.

The white clad devotees led by Nade Gura, would climb step by step reciting stanzas mostly Thunsaranas (Threefold refuge) the most popular term used for either party going up and coming down is Karunawai.

Everybody is expected to guard the tongue, never to engage in unnecessary talking or gossip. The climb to the top requires lot of patience, courage and concentration. Steps on the route then, were not smooth as you find today and the climb was not an easy task.

Peeping into the past, I could still recall the memories of the mammoth climb. They mostly set out early evening, in time to reach the top before dawn. They reach the summit with overwhelming piety, worship the place to their hearts’ content as if they are venerating the living Buddha.

The other requisites of a temple are not found there. It is the foot print of the Buddha covered by a stone slab. The real foot print is said to be underneath.

Though the summit is said to be, not so large an area, it is believed that it could accommodate any number of people who throng to worship, so much as to say that the Buddha the all wise, all compassionate appeared for the good of all, for the happiness of all. Hence no one will be left out.

Then after worship there is a bell to be rung according to the number of times every pilgrim has visited. Those who have climbed for the first time - a fresher to the task referred to as Kodukaraya has to be very careful and also can ring the bell only once. He should be well aware of the fact that he or she is a Kodukaraya.

Glamour and grandeur

The next task of the pilgrims is to await the sun rise - a breathtakingly a nice view - the dancing sun on the horizon. The exquisite glow radiating from the sun is a marvel. It appears slowly and with the final rise in all its majesty the sun is said to be worshipping Sri Pada. This is referred to as Ira Sevaya. There is peace, tranquillity and perfect silence during which time the pilgrims enjoy sweets like aluwa and aggala taken from home, while seated on the steps facing Ira Sevaya.

After this event they start their return trip downward journey, which is not difficult as if used to be. The route comprising of steps has seen lot of changes for the better over the years. The government of the day has taken meaningful measures to improve the conditions, to provide safety measures giving maximum security for the pilgrims which should be admired and appreciated.

The recent article in the ‘Sunday Observer’ on December 21 ‘Medical advice to Sri Pada pilgrims’ by Dr. D. P. Atukorale, a selflessly devoted genius to the profession who spends his time and energy for the service of humanity, is another great contribution towards the successful climb to the peak.

These carefully thought out instructions plus the medical advice to educate the present and future pilgrims, welcomed by many a reader, should be properly observed for their own good. Then you can well and truly say a great pilgrimage is over.

Picture by Kamal Perera