Special Feature – IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAIN OF A GOD: a Visit to the Temples of Saman

The legends disagree on the exact method in which Sumana Saman became a god, but what is clear is that Adam’s Peak, or Siripada, is believed to be his earthly home, and the centre of his influence and protection.”

The Mountain of Saman, Sumanakuta, also known as Siripada and Adam’s Peak, as seen across the Kuru Ganga Valley, close to Ratnapura.

The Land of Saman

Heavy jungle overhangs both banks of the Sitawaka River, close to Deraniyagala, in the foothills of the Central Highlands. Shot on assignment for Serendib, the inflight magazine of Sri Lankan Airlines. My photo story, ‘In the Shadow of the Mountain of a God‘, ran in the April 2016 issue. Deraniyagala is one of the centres of Saman worship, and often a starting point for pilgrimages to Adam’s Peak, also known as Sumanakuta, or ‘Saman’s Mountain‘.

Blurred Gods

The line between Buddhism and Hinduism in Sri Lanka: a shrine to the Buddha is flanked by shrines to Vishnu and, the Sri Lankan Hindu deity, Kataragama. Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya, Deraniyagala. Shot for my photo story ‘In the Shadow of the Mountain of a God‘, which ran in the April 2016 issue of ‘Serendib‘, the inflight magazine of Sri Lankan Airlines.

Locking Up the Gods

A locked shrine room at the Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya in Deraniyagala, Sri Lanka. February 2016.

Not Even the Gods can Prevent Dengue

A sign at the Sumana Saman Devalaya in Deraniyagala, warns devotees not to offer king coconut to the gods as the empty coconut shells eventually fill with rainwater and become breeding spots for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Dengue viral fever has been somewhat of an epidemic in Sri Lanka in recent years. February 2016.

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Prayer

Devotee at a Hindu and Buddhist shrine in Deraniyagala, Sri Lanka. Shot on assignment for Serendib, the inflight magazine of Sri Lankan Airlines. My story, In the Shadow of the Mountain of a God, ran in the April 2016 issue.

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