釋迦方志 1.68

1.68

the country of Srughna (in Central India), over six thousand li in circumference, with little desolate land. Its eastern border touches the Gaṅgā River (the ancient Ganges), and to the north it borders the great mountains. Southeast of the city is the Yamunā River, which flows out from the mountains in the northwest of the country through its central territory. The capital city is over twenty li in circumference, bordering the Yamunā River to the east. There are five monasteries and over a thousand monks, mostly studying the Hīnayāna. There are over a hundred deva temples and very many tīrthikas. Outside the east gate of the great monastery west of the river is a stupa where the Buddha once preached the Dharma to liberate people. Beside it is a stupa with the Buddha's hair and nails. More than eight hundred li east of the Yamunā River, one reaches the source of the Gaṅgā, three to four li wide, which enters the sea to the southeast where it is more than ten li wide. The water is deep blue, sweet in taste, with fine sand flowing along with the current. The common people call it blessed water, believing that bathing in it eliminates sin; some even despise life and drown themselves, saying they will be reborn in heaven to enjoy bliss. It is where Bodhisattva Deva of Siṃhala converted tīrthikas to receive the true Dharma. Crossing the river to the east, one reaches