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Godhāvarī

1. Godhāvarī, (v.l. Godāvari).– A river in Dakkhiṇāpatha, of which it forms the southern boundary. During the Buddha’s time, the Aḷaka (or Mulaka) king and the Assaka king (both Andhakas) had settlements on its northern bank, and Bāvarī’s hermitage lay in the territory between their dominions (SN.vs.977). The Commentary (SNA.ii.581) says that near this spot the Godhāvarī divided into two branches, forming an island three leagues in extent, and the island was a dense forest, known as the Kapiṭṭhavana. Bāvarī’s hermitage occupied a region of five leagues. In the past this region had been the abode of various sages, such as Sarabhaṅga (J.v.132, 136; Mtu.i.363). According to the Aṅguttara Commentary (AA.i.182), Bāvarī’s hermitage was on a bend of the river (Godhāvarī­vaṅke). The Godhāvarī is one of the holiest rivers in Southern India, rising in Brahmagiri near the village of Triyanvaka and sanctified by its connection with Rāma and various saints.

2. Godhāvarī.– A canal, built by Parakkamabāhu I, connecting the Kāragaṅgā and the Parakkamasāgara (Cv.lxxix.57).