In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A river near Kusinara in which the Buddha bathed and from which he drank water before entering Kusinara for his parinibbana. On its bank was a mango grove where the Buddha rested awhile on a robe spread for him by Cundaka; there he reassured Cunda, telling him that no blame attached to him for having provided the Buddha with the meal which was to be his last (D.ii.129,134f; Ud.viii.5; UdA.402f).

It is said (DA.ii.571) that when the Buddha bathed in the river, its banks and all the fishes it contained became golden.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

India history and geography

Source: Ancient Buddhist Texts: Geography of Early Buddhism

Kakuttha (ककुत्थ) is the name of a river near Pāvā: an ancient village situated between Rājagaha and Kusāvati or Kusīnārā: an ancient capital of Malla: one of the sixteen Mahājanapadas of the Majjhimadesa (Middle Country) of ancient India, as recorded in the Pāli Buddhist texts (detailing the geography of ancient India as it was known in to Early Buddhism).—In the Mahāparinibbāna Suttanta we find an account of the Buddha’s journey from Rājagaha to Kusīnārā. We are also told of halting places, the list of which is given in order with important events, viz., Pāvā: the Buddha here visited Cunda and fell ill by eating sūkaramaddava. He recovered and started for Kusīnārā; on his way he crossed the Kakuttha river, reached Ambavana, proceeded to the Sāla grove of the Mallas near Kusīnārā and died there.

While going to Kusīnārā from Rājagaha, the Buddha had to cross the river Kakutthā. Having crossed the river he arrived at Amhavana and then proceeded to the Malla’s Sāla grove near Kusīnārā. Kakutthā is the small stream Barhi which falls into the Chota Gaṇḍak, eight miles below Kasia. Carlleyle has identified it with the river Ghāgī, one and half miles to the west of Chitiyaon in the Gorakhpur district. Lassen identifies Kakanthis of Arrian with the river Bāgmati of Nepal.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Kakutthaka.

Full-text: Kukuttha, Kukkuttha, Kukusta, Ambavana, Pava, Kusinara.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Kakuttha, Kakutthā; (plurals include: Kakutthas, Kakutthās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)

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