North

of the valley is the largish village of Urya, north of which is a path leading to the highest summit of the range, a peak 5660 feet above sea-level, claimed by Vishnuvas as the shrine of their Giru, Sikar (or Sekra), an old form of Indra, who also rules on Adam’s peak in Ceylon, where (as here also) is a Paduka, a Prapad, or divine “foot,” carved on the granite; which Vishnu here left when he descended from heaven incarnate as Dala-Bhrigu, to drive away the Nagas, or serpent worshipers (see Naga), A small temple is built on the upper plateau. It is probably a natural cave, with a sacred adytum, and a rest cell for the weary. A bell scares away demons, and reminds the neighbours that the hungry attendants wait to be fed. These include wild Bawas and idiots, Sanyasis and anchorites, who let their nails grow through their palms: also, till lately, Mard- Khors, or “ corpse eaters,” the last of whom was walled up alive in a cave (see Aghors). 45