££7 
Heligion of the Ceylonese. 
shade of the Bogaha tree, which stands at Annarodgburro, an 
ancient city, in the northern part of the King of Candy’s do- 
minions ; and none but his own subjects are permitted to ap- 
proach this sanctuary. The Bogaha tree, says tradition, sud- 
denly flew over from some distant country, and planted itself 
in the spot where it now stands. It was intended as a shelter 
for the god Buddou; and under its branches he was wont to 
repose while he sojourned on earth. Near this hallowed spot 
ninety kings are interred, who all merited admission to the re- 
gions of bliss by the temples and images they constructed for 
Buddou. They are now sent as good spirits to preside over 
the safety of his followers, and protect them from being 
brought into subjection to Europeans ; a calamity against 
which they continually pray. Around the tree are a num- 
ber of huts, erected for the use of the devotees who repair 
hither ; and as every sort of uncleamiess and dust must ~be , 
removed from the sacred spot, people are retained for the pur- 
pose of continually sweeping the approaches before the wor- 
shippers, and to attend the priests during the performance of 
the ceremonies. 
As the preference v/as given by Buddou to the shade of the 
Bogaha tree above all others, it is universally held sacred among 
the Ceylonese. Wherever it is found throughout the island, 
persons are appointed to watch over it and preserve it from 
dirt or injury. The Bogaha tree is held in the same estima- 
tioiCamong the followers of Buddou, as the Banyan tree among 
tlie Brahmins. 
Notwithstanding the many religious ceremonies and supersti- 
tions wliicli prevail among the Ceylonese, they are far from 
being such devotees and zealots as any of the sects on the 
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