Historical Geography of Ancient India c8.408

c8.408

Phalgu.—This river joins the Ganges in the district of Monghyr, north-east of Lakhisarai. It is but a united flow of the two hill-streams called the Nairañjanā (modern Nilājāna) and Mahānada (modern Mohanā), which meet together above Bodh-Gayā. It receives two tributaries, one in the district of Patna and the other in the district of Monghyr. Nilājāna or Nirañjanā has its source near Sameria in the district of Hazaribagh. Buddhagayā is situated at a short distance to the west of this river. According to the commentary on the Majjhima Nikāya (Siamese edition, Pt. II, p. 233) this river flows on in a glassy stream showing the bathing places with gradual descents of steps. It has cool and crystal water, mudless and pure (Papañcasūdani, Pt. II, p. 233; cf. Lalitavistara, p. 311;