0
15 Fun Facts about River Godavari
The Godavari River, which has a length of around 1,465 kilometres (910 miles), is the second-longest river in India.
- Before draining into the Bay of Bengal, it rises near Trimbakeshwar in the Maharashtra district of Nashik and travels through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
- One of the greatest river basins in India is that of the Godavari River, which spans an area of around 312,812 square kilometres (120,777 square miles).
- Due to its significance and purity in Hindu mythology, it is sometimes referred to as the “Dakshina Ganga” or the “Ganges of the South”.
- The Hindu hero Lord Rama and the river have a long history together. The Godavari River’s banks were where Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana spent a large portion of their exile, according to Hindu legend.
- Ancient Hindu texts including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas all make reference to the river.
- The Pranhita, Indravati, Manjira, Sabari, and Wainganga rivers are some of the major tributaries of the Godavari River.
- It is well-known for having a vast network of irrigation canals, which the nearby agricultural areas utilise. Water from the river is also used for industrial processes and for drinking.
- One of India’s biggest and most productive river deltas is the Godavari Delta, which is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is renowned for its prolific agricultural output, especially rice farming.
- A variety of plant and animal species may be found along the river, which also supports a complex ecology. For a variety of aquatic creatures, including the gravely endangered Ganges river dolphin, it serves as a home.
- Once every 12 years, when Jupiter enters the sign of Leo, a significant Hindu pilgrimage known as the Godavari Pushkaram is celebrated. Devotees bathe in the river to atone for their sins and obtain blessings at this period.
- Along the banks of the Godavari River are several significant towns and cities, including Nashik, Nanded, Bhadrachalam, Rajahmundry, and Rajamahendravaram.
- Major floods have occurred along the river in the past, resulting in substantial loss of life and property. Dams and reservoirs have been built in an effort to control the river’s water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
- The Godavari River is important for both water sports and adventurous pursuits. It provides possibilities for kayaking, white-water rafting, and boating, especially in the Andhra Pradesh region around Rajahmundry.
- Numerous festivals are observed throughout the Godavari River’s course, and it is significant from both a cultural and religious standpoint. Sankranti, Godavari Pushkaram, and the Kumbh Mela are a few of the major celebrations.
Text by Dhiraj Parmar
