The Legend of Saman Deviyo and Adam's Peak
Saman Deviyo (Sumana Saman) is the guardian deity of Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), the sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. According to the Mahavamsa, the Buddha, on his deathbed, entrusted the care of Lanka and Prince Vijaya to the god Sumana, who appeared to Vijaya's followers disguised as a wandering ascetic. Sumana Saman, one of the four guardian deities of Sri Lanka, protects the footprint of the Buddha atop Adam's Peak. The mountain itself is a multi-faith pilgrimage site — revered by Buddhists (Buddha's footprint), Hindus (Shiva's footprint), Muslims (Adam's footprint), and Christians (St. Thomas's