Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly one of the nation’s most revered sites, as it is held sacred by Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians alike. The appearance of the mountain is unmistakable, with its distinctive pyramid-shaped form. A depression which resembles a giant footprint seen at the summit of the mountain is considered by Buddhists as that of the Buddha, by Hindus as the footprint of Shiva, and by Christians as that of Adam. Venerated from ancient times, the footprint was later attributed to St. Thomas the apostle by the Portuguese.

 According to the Mahavamsa, the chronicle of Sri Lanka’s ancient history, the Buddha left the imprint of his foot on the mountain as he departed after his third visit to the island. However the site did not attain the status of a regular destination for pilgrimage until King Nissankamalla ascended the mountain and worshipped the site, and accommodation facilities were provided for pilgrims.

 The Muslim legend, which dates to a time comparable to that of the Mahavamsa,  recounts the manner in which Adam, the first of the prophets was expelled from paradise on account of his disobedience. Adam stood on one foot at the summit of the mountain for a thousand years in penance for his misdeed, and was later reunited with Eve. This legend is also sometimes associated with Christian tradition as well.

 The seafaring Arabs of ancient times used the mountain as a landmark, and prayed to God for their successful journey upon reaching the island. The famed traveler Ibn Batuta is said to have attempted to ascend the mountain on his visit to the island. A visitor from an earlier age, the renowned Venetian merchant Marco Polo is supposed to have ascended the mountain to venerate the footprint, of which he had heard from Emperor Kublai Khan, his host in China.

Today Adam’s Peak maintains its status as a foremost religious destination, and also attracts a multitude of foreign visitors each year.

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