X544(3)

PLATE III. ADAM'S PEAK AND THE LAKE OF COLOMBO, FROM THE GALLE BARRIER.

This view is taken just outside the barrier, on the road leading to Point de Galle and the Esplanade (one of the points already mentioned, where the lake is barely separated from the sea), a little before the setting in of the south-west monsoon - indications of which may be perceived in the threatening appearance of the sky. It is a remarkable circumstance, that a person arriving in Colombo shortly after the setting in of this monsoon with its strong sea-breezes, may reside there four or five months without seeing the vestige of a mountain ; when, all at once - the north-east monsoon having set in and driven back the clouds and mists by which it was enveloped - on taking his early ride or walk, this magnificent range of mountains, dominated by Adam's Peak, bursts upon his view, striking him with astonishment and admiration. From the peculiar state of the atmosphere, the mountain, though about five-and-thirty miles off in a direct line, scarcely appears at a third of the distance; whilst the stratus, or stream of white mist, arising from the valleys and extending half way up the mountain, by its contrast, assists the deception, and adds wonderfully to the effect and grandeur of the scene.

Adam's Peak, the height of which is estimated by Davy at 6152 feet, was, until lately, considered the highest point in the island; but it has been satisfactorily ascertained that some of the mountains in the Nieuera-ellia range, are considerably higher. Major Forbes states that Lunugalla and Suduhugalla, which rise out of the Horton plains, are 7800 feet above the level of the sea.

The peak, however, called in Cinghalese Hamalella, is the most prominent object in the Island, and is visible many leagues off at sea, in the north-east monsoon. It is, moreover, closely associated with the religion and superstitions of the natives, as well as with those of the Buddhists of the continent, from the tradition or belief entertained by them that their principal god, Buddhu, having fulfilled his mission on earth, ascended to heaven from the summit of this mountain, leaving there the print of his last footstep. Knox, who was for many years a prisoner in the interior, says, in his quaint language, " the people of this land count it meritorious to go and worship this impression ; and generally about their new year, which is in March, they, men, women, and children, go up this vast and high mountain to worship." At another place he says, " unto this footstep they give worship, light up lamps, and offer sacrifices, laying them upon it, as upon an altar. The benefit of the sacrifices that are offered here do belong unto the Moors' pilgrims, who come over from the other coast to beg, this having been given them heretofore by a former king. So that at this season there are great numbers of them always waiting to receive their accustomed fees."

The last part of the ascent is very steep; so much so, that iron rods and chains are fixed in the rock to assist the climber ; without which, it would be a matter of some difficulty and danger, the peak overhanging a vast abyss below.

The levelled area of the upper part of the mountain is seventy-four feet by twenty-four, and is surrounded by a stone wall about five feet high, in some places on the very edge of the precipice - the apex rising from near the centre of the enclosure, about seven or eight feet above the level part-On its top is the object of worship, mentioned above, called in Cinghalese the Sree-pada. It is slightly hollowed, being about five feet three inches long by three feet five inches broad, and is ornamented with a margin of brass, and divisions of the same representing toes, studded with gems of small value. Over it is a roof, supported by four pillars, and secured to the rock by four iron chains.

A rude resemblance to a footstep of colossal dimensions, may, perhaps, by the assistance of the imagination, be traced in this venerated mark in the rock, which is, probably, partly natural and partly artificial - the latter being decidedly the case with respect to the divisions representing toes.

Within the enclosure above described, is a small dwelling of one room, where the officiating priest resides; and this, with two huts outside, is all the shelter the traveller or pilgrim can find here. A splendid grove of rhododendrons, with their large and gorgeous flowers, is the only other object on the mountain deserving of notice; but the view from the summit, on a clear day, is magnificent, and would of itself amply repay the labour of ascending to it.