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The Rivers in the Vamana-Purana [vamanapurane nadivarnanam] / By Sri Suresh Kanaiyalal Dave; Siddhpur, Gujrat / 33-47

[ vamanapurane bhuvanakosavarnanaprasamge tirthavarnanaprasamge ca nadinam varnana- mupalabhyate bhuvanakose tasamudgamabhumiscapi nirdista vartate | anyesu puranesvapi nadinam varnanam prapyate | asmin nibandhe lekhaka mahodayena vamanapurane varnitanam ekasastinadinam vivaranam prastutam | vividhapuranesu tasam kani namani sradhunikavidvadvisva tasam kutra avasthitih pradista ityadivisayah sangopanga vivecita pratra vidusa lekhakena | ] All the Puranas contain important geographical data in their Bhuvanakosa chapters. A critical and comparative study of all such data is bound to throw an important light on the distribution of people, various holy places, rivers, mountains, lakes etc. A study of the valuable geographical and ethnic data in the Vamana Purana is therefore necessary. In this article I have given the alphabetical list of the rivers as mentioned in the Vamana Purana and with the help of the valuable works of learned indologists, I have tried to identify them wherever possible to facilitate the future research workers with the ready references. (1) Amlu nadi (Vam. 34. 7;Cr. Edn. . . 13. 7c a). According to the Vamana Purana, this river is one of the holy rivers of Kuruksetra. She is mentioned along with the other six rivers. She flows with a melodious sound. All these seven rivers are never dirty even in the rainy season. 53. 51 nadvala ). (2) Anadvala (Vam 79. 51,鈫扖r. edn. This river flows near Sakalpur, the capital of Madras.¹ It was The writer has given here the names of the rivers and the references of the Vam. P. from the Venkatesvara edition, the corresponding name of the river and the references of the Vam. P., therefore, are added here after the references of the Venk. edn. within brackets from the critical Edition also; where the name of a river does not differ from that only the reference of the Cr. Edn. is given. The symbol for. (Ed.). 1. Dr. B. C. Law, Journal of Indian History, vol. XXXVIII, Part III Dec. 1960. PP. 533-546. 5

34 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 situated between Jhelum and Ravi according to Cunningham². It may be a small tributary going the river Iravati (modern Ravi). The Vamana Purana states its importance by saying that the alms given on the bank of this river leads to immortality. (3) Apaga. (Vam. 36. 1 ; Cr. Edn. . . 15. 1). According to the Vamana, it is five miles (one kosa) away from the holy Manusa Tirtha. The references of this Purana leads us to believe that it must be in the north, while Aranyakparva³ refers to Apaga flowing to the east of Manusa Tirtha. From the references to the region of Apaga in the Brahmanda Purana, it is identified with Afganistan. Cunningham identified it" with modern Oghavati. He opines that it is a branch of Chitranga which separates from the main stream to the west of Ladawa and flows past Palwola to Pabnava where it is lost in the lands. Its mention in the Rgveda' proves that it is one of the ancient rivers of the Vedic period. (4) Asi (Vam. 3. 28; cr. edn. same) According to the Vamana Purana this river is in the Yogasayi Ksetra near Prayaga. It has come out from the left foot of Lord Hari. It flows with melodious voice. It wipes out the sins even like Brahmahatya to the persons taking bath in it. It is a mere brook." The river Varana flows just near it and the city of Varanasi is between the rivers Varana and Asi.8 (5) Banjula. (Vam. 13. 32; cr. edn. same). This is the river of mountain Suktiman, one of the kula parvatas. The Brahmanda Purana mentions it as a river of Rksa mountain as well as that of the Mahendra hills.10 (6) Bahuda (Vam. 13. 22, cr. edn. 13.21). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the river of the Himalayas. Other Puranas 2. Cunningham. Ancient Geography. P. 185, Vayu Purana 45. 127, 47. 44, Matsya Purana 114. 7; 15.18, Bhagavata Purana XII. 1.22. Mahabharata. Aranyakaparva 81. 55-7. 3. 4. N. Dey. Cunningham's Geography of Ancient India, P. 10. 5. Agrawal, R. C., Kurukshetra in Later Sanskrit Literature, IHQ. XXXI No. 1. March 1955, PP. 1-31. 6. Rgveda, III. 23. 4. 7. Law, B. C., Tribes in Ancient India. P. 102. 8. Vedic Index Vol. 1, P. 154. 9. The Brahmanda Purana, II. 16. 31, 10. Ibid. II, 16. 37,

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 35 viz. the Markandeya, the Brahmanda, the Vayu, the Matsya and the Siva also connect it with the Himalayas." All the Puranas except Siva describe a story telling that originally she was Gauri' the wife of Yuvanasva, and was turned into the river Bahuda by the curse. The Siva Purana gives the name Prasenjit as her husband. B. C. Law thinks that this river is modern Ramganga 12 meeting the Ganges on the left near Kannuaja. Pargiter supports this view of B. C. Law but N. Dey rejects this identification saying that it is river Dhalabha, a feeder of the river Rapti in Oudh. 13 According to the Epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the river of the name is also flowing in the Deccan also.14 (7) Bhimarathi (Vam. 13. 30; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, it is a river of the Sahya mountain. The Vayu also supports this view. B. C. Law identified with modern Bhima river, the tributary of the Krsna, 15 (8) Cakrini (Vam. 13. 27;鈫抍r. edn. 13. 27 ). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river of Jambudvipa coming out of the Rksa mountain It cannot be identified with any modern river. (9) Candrika (Vam. 13 21; the Vamana Purana, this is the of the Himalayas. Cr. edn. 13.20). According to river of Jambudvipa, coming out (10) Carmanvati (Vam. 13.24: cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana this is the river of Jambudvipa, coming out of the Pariyatra mountain. The Vayu Purana supports this view of the Vamana. It rises from the Aravalli range, northwest of Indore and flows north east through eastern Rajputana into Yamuna. It is modern chambal. 16 It is a big river of Bharatavarsa.17 11. The Markandeya, chap. 57; The Brahmanda III. 63. 67. The Vayu 45. 96; 88. 66; The Matsya. 22. 55; 116. 22. 12. Law, B. C., Rivers of Ancient India, P. 70. 13. N. Dey. Ibid. P. 16. 14. The Mahabharata, Bhisma Parva, Anusasana Parva and the Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, 41. 13. 15. Law, B. C., Ibid. P. 49. 16. Law, B. G., Ibid, P. 338 17. The Bhagavata Purana V. 19. 18, The Brahmanda Purana II. 16.28 The Matsya Purana, 22.30; 163.62; The Vayu Purana 45.98; 108. 81. also see the Purana Index, p. 592

36 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 (11) Citra. (Vam. 13.25; cr. edn. 15.26). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river of the Pariyatra mountain. It cannot be identified with the modern river of India. (12) Citrakuta. (Vam. 13.26; cr, edn. 13.25). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river of the Rksa mountain. The Brahmanda Purana also mentions the same. 18 It is probably the stream which flows round the south and east of the modern Citrakuta mountain. 19 (13) Dasarna. (Vam. 13.26; cr. edn. 13.25). According to the Vamana Purana, it is a river of the Rksa mountain. The Brahmanda Purana supports this. B. C Law thinks that this is the river Dosaron mentioned by Ptolemy. It is identified with the river Brahmani that flows through modern Cuttack and empties itself in the Bay of Bengal.20 While Shri Ray Chaudhuri identifies it with the modern Dhasan river near Saugor in the Madhya Pradesh 21 (14) Devika (Vam. 78.38; cr. edn. 52.38.). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river of the Rksa mountain. It is one of the wellknown Puranic rivers. 22 As the Vamana Purana mentions, a famous ancient Tirtha is situated on its bank. Here Dhundhu performed the sacrifice and Visnu took Vamana form. The Vamana himself Stays in this river in the form of Bhudhara.23 B. C. Law identifies this river with the modern river Reeg.2 Pargiter identifies it with river Deeg, a tributary of the river Ravi. 25 It has also been identified with Devika in U. P. which is another name for the southern course of Sarayu. 26 24 (15) Dhatakirasa. (Vam. 13.21; cr. edn. 13.21 c). According to the Vamana, it is the river of the Himalayas. It cannot be identified with any modern river. 18. The Brahmanda Purana, II, 27.30 19. Law, B. C., Rivers of India, P. 48, The Geographical Essays, p. 110. 20. Law, B. C, Ibid. p. 376 21. Ray Chaudhari, Studies in Indian Antiquities, p. 124. The Brahmanda Purana, II. 16.25; The Matsya, 22.20; The Vayu. 45.96; 109.17; 112.30. See also Purana Index, p. II, 134. 23. The Vamana Purana 13.26; 78.38; 84.7; 89.7; 90.30. .81" 24. Law, B.C., Historical Geography of ancient India, p. 74.. 25. Pargiter. F.E., The Markandeya Purana, p. 292 26. See, Agra guide and Gazetter, 1841. II pp. 120, 252

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 37 (16) Dhutapapa (Vam. 13.22; cr. edn. 13.21.). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the holy river of the Himalayas. The Vayu Purana mentions it as the river of Kusadvipa. It is mentioned The Skanda in other Puranas as the river of the Himalayas.27 Purana mentions it as the river of the city of Varanasi. 28 It cannot be identified with any modern river. (16) Drsadvati (Vam. 13.22; cr. edn. 13.21). According to the Vamana Purana, it is one of the rivers of the Himalayas. Kuruksetra is between this river and the Sarasvati (22.47). It flows through Kuruksetra and is said to be Mahapunya (34.7). The advantages of doing the sacrifices of Agnistoma and Atiratra can be obtained only by taking dip into the waters of this river (36.48). It is mentioned in the Rgveda 29. The Vayu Purana mentions that the original name of this river was Ratnavati, and the city Vayupura was on its bank. 30 It is identified with modern Chitranga which runs parallel to the Sarasvati 31 by B. C. Law, but Cunningham identifies it with the river Rakshi which flows by the south east of Thanesvar 32. Varahmihira knew about the famous tank of this name at Thaneswar. Elphinston and Col. Todd identify it with the river Ghaggar flowing through Ambala and Sindh, but now lost in the desert sand of Rajputana 34. (17) Dughdoda. (Vam. 13.31 cr. edn. Same). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the river of the Sahya mountain. (18) Gandaki (Vam. 13.22; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the holy river of the Himalayas. The same is mentioned by the Brahmandda, the Bhagavata 36, and the Padma Puranas 37. It is a great upper tributary of the upper 35 27. The Matsya. 114.22. The Brahmanda. 16.26. The Brahma, 27.26. 28. The Skanda Purana, Kasikakhanda. U:tar. Ad. 59. vide also Brahmanda. 16.26, The Matsya, 122.71 29. Rgveda, III. 23.4. 30. The Vayu Purana, 59. 127-8 31. Law, B.C., Geographical Essays, P. 75 & 91. 32. Cunningham, Archeological Survey reports, 14 33. Patil, D. R., Cultural History from the Vayu Purana, P. 255. 34. J.R.A.S. VI. 181. 35. The Brahmanda Purana, II. 16.26. 36. The Bhagavata Purana, X. 79. 11; V. 7. 10. 37. The Padma Purana, ch. 21.

38 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 Ganges which has its origin in south Tibet. It passes through Nepal. Its main stream flows into the Ganges between Sonepur in the Saran district and Hajipur in Muzafarpur district, while its lower stream flows into another river bifurcating at Basarah.38 (19) Godavari (Vam. 13-30; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana purana, it is a holy river of the Sahya mountain. The Vayu Purana and the other puranas" refer to it as one of the largest and longest holy river of Daksinapatha flowing from the Sahya mountain. It is modern river Godavari having its source in the Brahmagiri, situated on the side of village called Tryambaka, which is twenty miles from Nasik. In its course through Hydrabad and Madras it is joined by many tributaries.40 42 (20) Gomati (Vam. 13.22; cr. edn. 13.21). It is a river near the Sarasvati, according to the Vamana Purana. The Vayu Purana mentions it as a holy Himalayan river. The Mahabharata¹¹ mentions that Divodasa built the city of Benares which lay between the north bank of the Ganges and the south bank of the river Gomati. The Skanda Purana¹2 mentions that the Gomati is at Kusasthali at western sea. It is said as Purvaganga. It flows from Cakra Tirtha and flowing near by Visnu Mandira washes the feet of the Lord. Marici Prajapati invited it. She is known as Gomukhi at Abu. It is mentioned in the Rgveda¹. It may be Gomal, one of the tributaries of the river Indus. It may be identified as the river Gomati in Oudh district rising in the Himalayas and falling into the Ganges below Benares. Kalidasa has mentioned it in the Raghuvamsa. It is a branch of the river Chambal in Malva on which the city of Ranthambor is situated, 45 (21) Iravati (Vam. 13.21; cr. edn. 13.20). According to the Vamana Purana, it is a holy river of the Himalayas. The Vayu 38. Law, B.C., The Rivers of India, pp. 23-24. 39. The Vayu Purana, 29.12. The Brahmanda Purana 1. 12-15. The Matsya 22.46; The Brahma Purana 77. 9-10; 40. Law, B. C., Historical Geography of ancient India, pp. 152-53. 41. The Mahabharata Anusasana Parva, chapt. 30. 42. The Skanda Purana, Prabhasa khanda, Dwaraka Mahatmya. 2.3-4. 43. The Skanda Purana. Arbuda Khanda. Adh.-8. 44. Rgveda. X. 75.6. 45. Meghaduta, Purvardha 47.

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 39 Purana supports it. It is sacred to the Pitrs. It is a river consort of the fire Havyavaha.46 B.C. Law mentions it as Uttarapatha river. According to the Kalika Purana, the river has its origin in the Ira lake. It is modern Ravi.47 48 (22) Karatoya. (Vam. 13.26;鈫抍r. edn. 13.26 ). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river flowing from the Rksa mountain. The Vayu Purana 18 supports it. It is mentioned in the Markandeya Purana 19 also. This is a branch of the river Brahmputra. It formed the western boundry of Kamarupa. It has been identified with Sadanira also.50 49 (23) Kausiki (Vam. 36.59; cr. edn. H. T. 15.57). It is one of the holy rivers mentioned in the Vamana Purana. The Vayu Purana mentions it as the holy river of the Himalayas. It is holy for Sraddha. The Brahma Purana 1 states that Satyavati, the mother of Jamadagni, was turned into river Kausiki and its source is given as in the Himalayas. The Vayu states the same story with some changes.52 The Skanda Purana 53 puts it in the Avantiksetra. The Matsya mentions Kausiki Tirtha in the Narmadaksetra. The scholars have given different identifications for this river but generally it seems that it may be modern river Kusi, which flows into the Ganges through the district of Purnea in Bihar.534 (24) Kaveri (Vam. 13.31; cr. edn. 13.30). According to the Vamana Purana, it is a holy river coming out of the Sahya mountain. The same is supported by the Vayu Purana. It is holy for Sraddha. She is the wife of King Jahnu transformed into the river. 54 It is mentioned in many other Puranas.55 It is modern 46. The Vayu Purana 29.13. See also The Matsya. 22.19; 51.13; 133.23. The Brahma Purana II. 12.15. 47. Law, B. C., The rivers of India, p. 13. 48. The Vayu Purana. 45.150. 49. The Markandeya Purana, 57. 21-25. 50. Law, B,C., Ibid. p. 36. 51. The Brahma Purana. 7.27. 52. The Vayu Purana, 91. 88-89; 29.14. 53. The Skanda Purana. Avanti Khanda. 61.11. 53a. Law, B. C., Ibid. p. 226. 54. The Vayu Purana 77.28; 91.59. 55. The Kalika Purana, 24. 130-35; The Bhagavata Purana, V. 19.8; VII, 13.12; X. 79.14; XI. 5.40. The Padma Purana, Uttarkhanda.

40 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 Kaveri rising from the Western Ghats, and flows south east through Mysore and falls into the bay of Bengal in the district of Tanjore.5 56 (25) Krsna (Vam. 13.30; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, it is a holy river rising in the Sahya mountain. It is the river which is the same as Krsnavena in the Puranas.57 It has its source in the Western Ghats, flowing east through Deccan Plateau and breaking through the Eastern Ghats it falls into the Bay of Bengal. Its course lies through Maharastra, Hyderabad and Madras states. The Brahma Purana states that it is a Tirtha where Krsna, Tungabhadra and Bhimarathi go in.58 (26) Kumudvati (Vam. 13.29; cr. edn. 13.28). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the river rising from the Vindhya mountain. The Vayu supports it but in it elsewhere it is described as the river of the Manonuga Varsa of the Kraunca Dvipa.59 (27) Lupi (Vam. 13.24; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, it is the river coming out of the Pariyatra. It may be modern Luni rising from the Aravalli Hills and fed by six tributaries. (28) Madhunandini. (Vam. 81.16-31; cr. edn. 55.16-31). According to the Vamana Purana this is a river rising from the Himalayas. It is also a region and this river flows there. As the Purana states Lord Visnu and Lord Siva reside there in the form of Harihara, after killing the demon Jalodbhava. (29) Maha (Vam. 13.25; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river flowing from the Rksa mountain. Prahlada, while on Tirthayatra took bath in this river. The Bhagvata and the Brahma Puranas describe it as the river of Pariyatra in the Dravida country.60 It is identified as the modern Maha of Orrissa It rises from the hills at the south east corner of Berar. 61 It flows past Sihoa and passes through Bastar in the Madhya Pradesh. It reaches the Southern boarder of the district of Bilaspur. 56. For details See Law, B. C., Rivers of India, p. 51. 57. The Bhagavata Purana V. 19.18; The Markandeya Purana, 57.26- 27; The Brahma Purana 27-35. and the river Krisnaveni in 19.12. 53. The Brahma Purana 77.5. 59. The Vayu Purana 49. 61-71. 60. The Bhagavata Purana V. 8.1; 19.18; IX. 5.40; The Brahma P., II. 16.28. 61, Law, B.C., Ibid. P. 44,

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 41 (30) Mahagauri (Vam. 13.29; cr. edn. Same). According to the Vamana Purana, this, is the river flowing from the Vindhya mountain. The Vayu Purana supports this. It is referred to in the Markandeya Purana also.62 It is a synonym of Brahmani. is identified as modern river Brahmani in Orrissa.63 It (31) Mahi (Vam. 13.24; cr. edn. 13.23). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river flowing from Pariyatra mountain. It is a Tirtha where Prahlada went and from there he went to the river Sona. This river is named as Mahati in the Vayu Purana, 64 Mahita in the Mahabharata 65 and the Rohi in the Varaha Purana. 66 It is modern Mahi and flows through Gujarat and it has south westerly course up to Bansware.67 (32) Mahodhara. (Vam. 62.54; cr. edn. 38.54 HET). According to the Vamana Purana, this is one of the Seven rivers at Prthudaka Tirtha. It is very holy river which gives the fruits of drinking Soma juice to the persons bathing in it. From its description it seems that it may be the branch or tributary of the Sarasvati or another name of that river. (33) Mandakini (Vam. 13.26; cr. edn. 13.25). According to the Vamana Purana, this river rises from the Rksa mountain. This is very holy river where the king Vapusman performed the penance to have a son (72.44). The Vayu Purana supports the view of the Vamana Purana. This river is identified with the modern Mandakini which forms a small tributary to the Paisundi in Bundelkhanda and flows by the mount Citrakuta.68. According to the Bhagavata Purana 69 and the Vayu Purana this river is the Ganges. It is a synonym of the Ganges. Modern river western Kali which rises in the mountains of Kedara in Garhwal district may be this river."1 62. The Markandeya Purana 57.25 63. Law, B. C., Historical Geography of Ancient India, p. 171. 64. The Vayu Purana, 45.97 65. The Mahabharata. Bhisma Parva, IX. 238 66. The Varaha Purana, Adhyaya 85. 67. Law, B. C., Ibid. p. 283. 68. N. Dey. Cunningham's Geography of Ancient India 69. The Bhagavata Purana, V. 19.18 70. The Vayu Purana 45.99. 71. Law, B. C. Historical Geography of ancient India, p. 126 & 130 6

42 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 (34) Nalini. (Vam. 13.31; cr. edn. Same). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the river flowing from the Sahya mountain. The Vayu Purana states that this is the name of eastern course of the Bhagirathi Ganges. (35) Nandini (Vam. 13.24; cr. edn. 13.23). According to the Vamana Purana. this river flows from the Pariyatra mountain. The Vayu Purana mentions it as the river of Ketumala Dvipa. (36) Narmada (Vam. 13.26; cr. edn. 13.25). According to the Vamana Purana it is a very holy river. The demons Canda and Munda were hiding themselves in the valley of the river Narmada. She gave Ranotkata gana to Kartikeya. During his Tirthayatra Prahlada went there to take bath and to worship Sripati Vasudeva. According to the Vayu Purana she is the daughter of the Pitrs. She was the wife of Purukutsa and the mother of Trasadasyu. She flows to the Dakshinapatha 72. The glory of this river and its Tirthas are described in the Bhagavata, the Matsya, and the Visnu Puranas. It is the most important river of central and western India. It rises from the Maikal range near Amarakantaka and falls into the gulf of Cambay 74. It is described by Kalidasa also 75. (37) Oghavati (Vam. 22.53; cr. H. T. 1.7). According to the Vamana Purana this river flows from the mountain Pariyatra. The area of the lake Prthudaka of Kuruksetra is up to Oghavati in the South west. On its northern side one thousand Lingas of Lord Siva are there. It is a synonym for the river Sarasvati also. The Matsya Purana mentions it as Augha vati saying that it is very holy to the Pitrs.76 (38) Parnasa (Vam 13.24; cr. edn. 13. 23). According to the Vamana Purana, it rises from the Pariyatra mountain. Varnasa has been identified by Pargiter with the modern Banasa river of north Gujarat". It is said as the tributary of Carmanvati or Chambal but modern river Banasa rises from the Aravalli range. 72. The Vayu Purana 73. 46-50. 73. The Purana Index, Part II, p. 211. 74. Law, B. C., Ibid p. 324. 75. The Raguvamsa, V. 42-46 76. The Purana Index, Part II, p. 287. 77. Pargiter, The Markandeya Purana, preface.

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 43 The Matsya Purana mentions it as a river from Rsyavan 78. According to the Brahma Purana 79, this river was transformed into a girl and she married Deva-Vrddha. A local Purana viz. the Valakhilya Purana has been composed to describe its glory. (39) Pavani (Vam. 13.24: cr. edn. 13.23). According to the Vamana Purana, this flows from the Pariyatra mountain. The Vayu Purana mentions it as the eastern course of the river Bhagirathi. It is not identified with any modern river. (40) Fisacika (Vam 13.26; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, this flows from the Rksa mountain. The Vayu Purana, and the Brahma Purana mention it as the river of the Bharatavarsa from Rksa hill.80 (41) Praci Sarasvati (Vam. 50.4; cr. edn. 24.3). According to the Vamana Purana, this is very holy river which wipes out the horrible sins like Brahmahatya etc. of Brahma, Nara and Narayana Siva, Indra. The flow of the Sarasvati which flows eastward at Durga Tirtha is Praci Sarasvati. The gods are advised to go to this river to be pious. It cannot be identified exactly but the river Sarasvati after disappearing at Vinasana Tirtha started to flow from the Aravalli hills. During its course, it came to Sristhala and started to flow eastward and that is Praci Sarasvati of Gujarat. The Local Puranas, Sristhala Mahatmya, and the Sarasvati Purana, are composed to glorifly this river and its Tirthas 81. (42) Sarayu (Vam. 13.23 cr. edn. 13.23). According to the Vamana Purana, it flows from the Himalayas. During his Tirthayatra Prahlada stayed on the bank of this river. Vamana is in the form of Uttama Manu there. The Vayu The Vayu Purana supports the views of the Vamana and states that Agni loved her. It is mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana, Panini's Astadhyayi, the Kalika Purana and the Raghuvamsa of Kalidasas. It is modern Saraju. (43) Sarasvati (Vam. 2. 43 etc.; cr. edn. 2. 42 etc.). According to the Vamana Purana, this is the best river. It flows near Tha- 78. The Matsya Purana 114.23. 79. The Brahma Purana III. 71. 7, 12 80. The Purana Index, Part. II, p. 335. 81. See my article "The Sarasvati Purana" The Purana Bulletin, January, 1968. 82. The Raghuvamsa. VIII. 95, IX. 20, XIII. 60-63.

44 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 nesar in Kuruksetra. It rises from the Himalayas. Seeing Sankara, eight Vasus took the form of Sita Sarasvati (5.2). Holy Srikunja Tritha of this river is very famous. Prthudaka Tirtha is on its northern bank. Kartikeya was taken to Kuruksetra to take bath in this river before he was appointed as chief of the army of the Gods. It is the name of the one of the rivers at Sarasvata Tirtha. Seven Maruts were born from the seaman of Sage Manki which fell in the Saptasarasvata Tirtha. The Vayu Purana States that Agni loved her. According to the Rgveda it is between Yamuna and Sutlej. It was known in the Vedas as mighty river. in the hills of Sirmur in the Himalayan range called Sivalika and emerges into the plains of Ad-Badari in Ambala District.84 Majority of the indologists opine it as the same as Sarasvti which flows west of Thaneswar and is joined in Patiala territory by a more westerly stream Ghaggar and passing Sirasa is lost in the desert of Bhatner. It is mentioned in the Vayu Purana" and the Meghaduta 86 also.87 83 It rises (44) Satadru (Vam. 13. 21 ; cr. edn. 13. 20). According to the Vamana Purana, it flows from the Himalayas. Once demon Mura came there when the king Raghu of the solar race was performing a sacrifice. The Vayu Purana supports this and States that Agni loved her. It is modern Sutlaj. Its basin lies mainly north of the Himalayas. The source of this river is traceable in the Manasa lake. (45) Satadravi (Vam. 89. 4;鈫�(cr. edn. 62. 4) According to the Vamana purana it is the river flowing in the Karuksetra. It cannot be identified with any modern river. (46) Sona (Vam. 13. 26; cr. edn. same) According to the Vamana Purana, this flows from the Rksa mountain. Prahlada worshipped Rkdharma God there. The Vayu Purana supports this. It is modern Sona. It is the greatest lower tributary of the Ganges and rises in the district of Jabalpura. It joins the Ganges near Patna. 83. The Rgveda. X. 75.5. 84. Law, B. C., Ibid. P. 121. 85. The Vayu Purana 29. 12-14. 86. The Meghaduta, Purva Megha, 5d. 87. For details see the Article, The Goddess river Sarasvati by Sri A. S. Gupta; Purana bulletin.

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 45 (47) Tamasa (Vam. 13. 26; cr. edn. same) According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the Rksa mountain. It gave Gana Adrikampaka to Kartikeya. This is supported by the Vayu Purana. This river flows through Kosala and there was a hermitage of sage Valmiki. It is modern Tamasa or Tons which joins the Ganges about 18 miles south east of Allahabad.88 (48) Tapi (Vam. 13. 28). According to the Vamana Purana, this flows from the Vindhya mountain. The Vayu supports this but the Brahma Purana mentions it flowing from the Rksa. (49) Tamraparna (Vam. 13.32; 鈫抍r. edn. 13.32) According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the mountain Suktiman. The Vayu Purana mentions it as flowing from the Malaya mountain. It is also said to be flowing from the Mahendra hills as well as the Himalaya.89 It is identified with the river chittar in the extreme south. 90 (50) Toya (Vam. 13.29; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the Vindhya mountain. This is supported by the Brahma Purana," the Matsya Purana 92 and the Vayu Purana..9: 91 (51) Utpalavati (Vam. 13.32; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the Suktiman mountain. But according to the Brahma Purana, the Matsya Purana and the Vayu Purana, it is the river flowing from the Malaya hills. 94 95 Accord- (52) Vaitarani (Vam. 13. 29; cr. edn. 13.28). ing to the Vamana Purana this river is the eighteenth Naraka or hell but it is the best hell. It flows from the Vindhya mountain and flows near Trivistapa Tirtha. The Vayu Purana describes it as flowing from the Vindhya and it is holy for the Sraddhas. The Brahma Purana mentions the river Vaitarani as flowing through Vajramandala which is consisted of three ksetras viz. Sri Ksetra, 88. Law, B. C., Ibid P. 131. 89. Puranika Kathakosa. p. 208. 90. Pargiter, Introduction to the Markandeya Purana, p. 367. 91. The Brahma Purana, II. 16.33. 92. The Matsya Purana, 114.28. 93. The Vayu Purana 45.103; 49.92. 94. The Brahma, II. 16.36; The Matsya, 114.30; The Vayu. 45.105 Vide also Purana Index, p. 221. 95. The Vayu Purana 77.95.

46 puranam - PURANA [Vol. XII, No. 1 Arka Ksetra and Viraja Ksetra. The Buddhist tradition states it as the river of Yama.96 It rises in the hills in the southern part of the district of Singhbhum and flows through the district of Cuttack and joins with river Brahmani.97 (53) Vasu (Vam. 13.27; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, it flows from the Rksa mountain. The Vayu Purana mentions it as Vasumati and states it as the river of Bhadrasva Dvipa. (54) Vahya (Vam. 13.31; cr. edn. 13.30). According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the Sahya mountain. The Vayu Purana mentions it as Vaha and states it as the river of Ketumala Dvipa. It is mentioned in the Matsya Purana also.98 (55) Vedasmrti (Vam. 13.23; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana, this river flows from the Pariyatra. The Vayu Purana supports this. It is mentioned in the Visnu Purana."" (56) Venumati (Vam. 13.24; cr. edn. same). According to the Vamana Purana this river flows from the Pariyatra mountain. It is supported by the Matsya Purana also, 100 (57) Visala (Vam. 62.54; cr. edn. 36.54). According to the Vamana Purana, it is one of the names of river Sarasvati at Sarasvata Tirtha. Demon Jalodbhava hid himself there. It is full of fishes. It cannot be identified with any modern river. (58) Vipasa (Vam. 13.27: cr. edn. 13.26). According to the Vamana Purana this river flows from the Rksa mountain. It is just near Vindhyacala. Devadhideva Lord Sadasiva resides there. Lord Vamana resides there in the form of Dvijapriya. The Vayu Purana supports this and adds that Agni loved her. Law identifies it with modern Beas 101. Law adds that on its bank Kulindas were residing. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Markandeya Purana. 102 (59) Visnupadi (Vam. 92.33 cr. edn. 65.34). The Vamana Purana mentions that at the time of Vamana incarnation, at his third step Lord Visnu covered Svar, Mahar, Jana and Tapas Lokas 96. Samyukta Nikaya, I. 21. 97. Law, B. C., Historical Geography of Ancient India, p. 198. 98. The Matsya Purana, 114.35 Vide also Purana Index, p. III., p. 211. 99. The Visnu Purana (wilson's edition) p. 130. 100. The Matsya Purana 22.29 vide also Purana Index, p. III. p. 315. 101. Law, B.C., Rivers of India, p. 134. 102. The Markandeya Purana, 57.18

Jan., 1970] THE RIVERS IN THE VAMANA PURANA 47 by the half step. At that time Kutila Ganga was very much terri. fied and it sprang from the feet of the lord Visnu. The Rsis praised her as Visnupadi. The Vayu Purana mentions it as the river of Bhadrasva Dvipa. (60) Vitasta (Vam. 13.21; Cr. edn. 13.20). According to the Vamana Purana this river flows from the Himalayas. Prahlada went there to pray god Kumarila and then to Bhrgutunga which is between Vitasta and Himalayas. Vamana is in the form of Kumarila there. The Vayu Purana supports this and adds that Agni loved her. It is a identified with modern Jhelum. 103 (61) Yamuna (Vam. 3.7; cr. edn. same). The Vamana Purana mentions that when Sankara burderned with Brahmahatya went to this river the waters of this river disappeared. This river is personified, she took part in the marriage of Sankara. She gave a Gana Kalakanda to Kartikeya. Prahlada went to this river and worshipped Trivikrama and preformed Sraddhas etc. This is one of the rivers mentioned in the Rgveda, 104 and in the Puranas 105 It rises on the slopes of Bandarpunchh in Uttar Pradesh. It flows in the upper India basin and meets the Ganges at Allahabad, 103. Pauranika Kathakosa p. 509. 104. Rgveda X. 75; V. 52. 17; VII. 18, 19; Atharva Veda, IV. 9, 10 105. The Vayu Purana, 29.13. The Skanda Purana etc,