GodhÄvarÄ«
1. GodhÄvarÄ«. (v.l. GodÄvari).- A river in DakkhiṇÄpaá¹ha, 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 BÄvarī’s hermitage lay in the territory between their dominions (SN.vs.977). The Commeutary (SNA.ii.581) says that near this spot the GodhÄvarÄ« divided into two branches, forming an island three leagues in extent, and the island was a dense forest, known as the Kapitthavana. BÄvarī’s hermitage occupied a region of five leagues. In the past this region had been the abode of various sages, such as Sarabhaá¹…ga (J.v.132, 136; Mtu.i.363). According to the Aá¹…guttara Commentary (AA.i.182), BÄvarī’s hermitage was on a bend of the river (GodhÄvarÄ«vaá¹…ke). The GodhÄvarÄ« is one of the holiest rivers in Southern India, rising in Brahmagiri near the village of Triyanvaka and sanctified by its connection with RÄma and various saints.
2. GodhÄvarÄ«.- A canal, built by ParakkamabÄhu I, connecting the KÄragaá¹…gÄ and the ParakkamasÄgara (Cv.lxxix.57).
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