• Godhāvarī

1. Godhāvarī. (v.l. Godāvari). A river in Dakkhināpatha, of which it forms the southern boundary.

During the Buddha's time, the Alaka (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 Kapitthavana. Bāvarī's hermitage occupied a region of five leagues. In the past this region had been the abode of various sages, such as Sarabhanga (J.v.132, 136; Mtu.i.363).

According to the Anguttara Commentary (AA.i.182), Bāvarī's hermitage was on a bend of the river (Godhāvarīvanke). 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 Kāragangā and the Parakkamasāgara (Cv.lxxix.57).