My principal endeavour has been, to bring into one common focus all attainable information; and to describe more fully than has hitherto been done, the Pilgrims' route from Colombo to the Srí-Páda, or Holy Foot-print, that crowns the summit of the Samanala.

In the prosecution of this task I have received from many quarters much valuable assistance. And for aid most freely rendered my thanks are specially due to the Hon'ble H. T. IRVING, the Colonial Secretary; to Messrs. RUSSELL, SAUNDERS, MACREADY, and STEELE, of the Civil Service; to Captain FYERS, the Surveyor General, and officers of his Department; to Mr. THWAITES, the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Pérádeniya; to the learned Advocates of the Supreme Court, Messrs. LORENZ, FERDINANDS, ALWIS, and BRITO; to the Reverends BAILEY, ONDAATJE, and NICHOLAS; to HIKKADUWA SUMANGALA NA'YAKA UNNA'NSE', High-priest of the Peak, and SUBHUTI TERUNNA'NSE' of Waskaduwa vihára; to Mudaliyar LOUIS DE SOYZA, the Chief Translator to Government, and L. WIJAYASINHA, Mudaliyar of the Ratnapura Kachcheri; to EKNELIGODA Ratémahatmayá of the Kuruwițe Kóralé; as well as to the learned pandit C. ALWIS, and others, whose names are mentioned in the body of the book.

As a contribution to the literature of the Island, I trust that the work now published may be deemed worthy of a place alongside those of others whose pens in times past have illustrated the history and antiquities of Ceylon. Much as they did, they yet left much to be done; and fields rich in historic and legendary lore still await investigation at the hands of diligent explorers. To those whose tastes incline them to such pursuits, investigations of the nature indicated are most attractive. Hardly less interesting is the work of detailing the results of such investigations. What may be interesting to an individual may not, however, interest the public at large; although to excite that interest should be the aim of every writer. Indulging in the hope that I may to some extent succeed in that aim, I will only add, that I have been scrupulously regardful of accuracy in every statement of a matter of fact; that the opinions I have advanced have been adopted only after much consideration and care; and that no pains have been spared to do justice to the subject upon which I have written.

Colombo,

April 22nd, 1870.

W. S.

Adam's Peak.

Turn eastward now thine eyes, and in the sun-light bold
The Samanala peak, that sacred rock, behold,

Where with his goddess train, great SUMANA ador'd

Th' illustrious lotus Foot-print of BUDDH', Omniscient Lord;
Bow'd reverently before, and offerings made the sign

Of Parasat' and Mandar, flowers of hues divine.

SELLA LIHINI SANDESE.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.-ON THE ORIGIN OF BUDDHIST, HINDU, AND MOHAMMADAN PILGRIMAGES TO ADAM'S PEAK.

ADAM'S PEAK,-known amongst the Sinhalese as the Samanta-kúta, or peak of the Samanala mountain; by Hindus as the Sivan-oli-padam, and by Mohammadans as the Baba-Aadamalei,-is one of the most noted mountains in the world, celebrated alike for its singularly prominent

Or, more correctly, Sivaites; Sivá being esteemed the supreme divinity in the Hindu Mythology. The worshippers of Sivá are divided into the following sects:-Vairavas, Vámas, Kálámuk'has, Mahávratas, Pasupatas, and Saivas. The Saivas are the predominant sect among the Tamils of Ceylon.

B

and striking appearance, and for the interesting religious associations connected with it. On its summit is a shrine which covers the renowned Foot-print, claimed by the respective votaries of India's old beliefs, as that of Sivá, or of Gautama Buddha; but by the followers of the Prophet of Mecca, as that of the first created man,-the great progenitor of the human race. To that alleged foot-print, held sacred and reverenced by far the largest portion of mankind, annual pilgrimages are made, alike by Hindus, Buddhists and Moslems; and from times remote to the present day it has been visited by devotees, the representatives of those forms of faith, from every region where they maintain their sway.

As to the cause why and the time when this particular mountain peak first became an object of worship, and its summit a favorite spot for pilgrims to resort to, the following remarks which recently appeared in the published sketch of a journey thither,† may not be considered irrelevant. The writer says:

"Without attempting to discuss the history, or the mytho logical legends connected with this place, I cannot help speculating regarding the origin of its sanctity in the first place. Here is a place which the Buddhist considered to be sanctified by the impress of Buddha's foot, which the Hindu reverences as being marked by the foot of Sivá, which the

For further information as to the supposed origin of the Foot-print see Appendix A.

In the "Ceylon Observer," October 2nd, 1869.