South India and her Muhammadan Invaders c15.4

c15.4

It is one of the highest mountains in the world and can be seen from the open sea even at a distance of nine days' journey from it. As we climb the peak, its lower slopes are hidden from view by clouds. There are on this summit, many trees that never shed their leaves, flowers of different colours, and a red rose as large as the palm of one's hand. It is said that on the petals of this rose is an inscription containing the name of the Almighty God and the name of his Prophet. Two mountain roads lead to the foot of Adam: Father's road, and Mother's road, otherwise called Adam and Eve. Mother's road is an easy road by which pilgrims return. But those who take it going there are not considered to have made the pilgrimage. Father's road is rough and difficult. Near the gate at the foot of the mountain is a grotto called Iskander (Alexander), and a spring of water.