# Godavari River

> river in India

**Wikidata**: [Q191314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191314)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godavari_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/godavari-river

## Summary

The Godavari River is a major river in India, considered the second-longest river in the country after the Ganges. Originating in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, it flows eastward across central and southern India, traversing the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Known as the "Dakshina Ganga" (Ganges of the South), the river holds immense religious, cultural, and economic significance for millions of people in the region.

## Key Facts

- **Type**: River (natural watercourse)
- **Coordinates**: Origin at 19.93°N, 73.5275°E; Delta at 16.7256°N, 82.3311°E
- **Location**: Flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
- **Sitelink Count**: 86 (Wikipedia connections)
- **Aliases**: Godavari, Dakshina Ganga
- **Related Train**: Godavari Express (passenger train, established February 1, 1974)
- **Related District**: West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh
- **Rigvedic Connection**: Listed among Rigvedic rivers mentioned in the Hindu text Rig Veda
- **Associated Waterfall**: Dugarwadi waterfall (located in Maharashtra)
- **Classification**: Part of larger natural watercourse category (sitelink_count: 275)

## FAQs

**What states does the Godavari River flow through?**

The Godavari River originates in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal in Odisha. It is the second-longest river in India and is often called the "Dakshina Ganga" due to its religious and cultural importance.

**What is the significance of the Godavari River in Indian culture?**

The Godavari River is one of the most sacred rivers in India, second only to the Ganges. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts including the Rig Veda. The river supports extensive agriculture, provides water for irrigation, and sustains millions of people living in its basin.

**What is the Godavari Express train?**

The Godavari Express is a named passenger train service in India that was established on February 1, 1974. It is one of the named trains in India, connecting various destinations along the Godavari River basin region.

**Which districts are related to the Godavari River?**

The West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh is directly related to the Godavari River. This district is named after the river and is located in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh where the Godavari delta exists.

**Where does the Godavari River originate and empty?**

The Godavari River originates in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra at coordinates 19.93°N, 73.5275°E. It flows eastward for approximately 1,465 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal at its delta near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, with coordinates 16.7256°N, 82.3311°E.

## Why It Matters

The Godavari River is a lifeline for millions of people in central and southern India, serving as a critical source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Its basin covers approximately 10% of India's geographical area and supports one of the most densely populated regions in the country. The river's religious significance makes it a destination for millions of pilgrims who visit its banks for ritual baths and ceremonies, particularly during major Hindu festivals.

The Godavari River plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy, supporting the cultivation of rice, cotton, sugarcane, and other crops in the fertile delta regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The river's water resources are managed through various dams and irrigation projects that have transformed the agricultural landscape of the region. Additionally, the Godavari delta is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India, supporting diverse flora and fauna and providing livelihoods to local communities.

The river's historical and cultural importance is evidenced by its mention in ancient Indian texts, including the Rig Veda, making it one of the oldest known rivers in the Indian subcontinent. Its banks are home to numerous temples, pilgrimage sites, and historical monuments that attract both religious devotees and tourists. The Godavari Express train, operational since 1974, further emphasizes the river's importance as a regional connector, facilitating travel and commerce along its basin.

## Notable For

- **Second-Longest River in India**: The Godavari is India's second-longest river after the Ganges, flowing approximately 1,465 kilometers
- **Dakshina Ganga**: Known as the "Ganges of the South" due to its religious significance
- **Rigvedic Heritage**: Mentioned in the ancient Hindu text Rig Veda as one of the sacred rivers
- **Largest Delta**: Forms one of the largest river deltas on the eastern coast of India
- **Mangrove Ecosystem**: The Godavari delta supports extensive mangrove forests
- **Irrigation Support**: Provides water for one of India's most productive agricultural regions
- **Named Train**: The Godavari Express train has been operating since 1974
- **Multi-State Impact**: Flows through five Indian states (Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and indirectly Chhattisgarh)

## Body

### Geography and Course

The Godavari River originates from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, specifically in the Nashik district near the town of Trimbakeshwar. The source is located at coordinates 19.93°N, 73.5275°E, at an elevation of approximately 1,067 meters above sea level. From its source, the river flows eastward through the Deccan Plateau, carving a path through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The river's journey covers approximately 1,465 kilometers before it empties into the Bay of Bengal at its delta near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. The delta region, located at coordinates 16.7256°N, 82.3311°E, is one of the largest river deltas on India's eastern coast. The delta is characterized by extensive mangrove forests, fertile agricultural lands, and a complex network of distributaries.

### States and Districts

The Godavari River flows through or touches upon five Indian states, each contributing to its basin's diversity and importance:

- **Maharashtra**: The river originates in this western Indian state and flows through its eastern regions
- **Chhattisgarh**: The river's tributaries originate in this central Indian state
- **Telangana**: The river flows through Telangana, where it is joined by several major tributaries
- **Andhra Pradesh**: The river forms a large delta in coastal Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal
- **Odisha**: The river's distributaries also touch the northern parts of Odisha

The West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh is named after the river and is located in the heart of the Godavari delta region. This district is known for its rich agricultural productivity and cultural heritage.

### Religious and Cultural Significance

The Godavari River holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, second only to the Ganges. It is known as the "Dakshina Ganga" (Ganges of the South) and is mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts, including the Rig Veda. The river's banks are lined with numerous temples, ghats (riverfront steps), and pilgrimage sites that attract millions of devotees each year.

Major pilgrimage sites along the Godavari include Trimbakeshwar (where the river originates), Nashik (hosting the famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years), and Rajahmundry (where the river meets the sea). The river is considered sacred by Hindus, and taking a dip in its waters is believed to wash away sins and grant moksha (liberation).

### Economic Importance

The Godavari River is the lifeline for one of India's most productive agricultural regions. The river's delta regions in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are known for intensive rice cultivation, with multiple crops harvested throughout the year. The river provides irrigation water through a network of dams, canals, and distributaries that have transformed previously arid lands into fertile farms.

Key crops cultivated in the Godavari basin include rice, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, and various fruits and vegetables. The river also supports significant fishing communities in its delta regions, with both freshwater and brackish water fisheries contributing to local economies.

### Infrastructure and Projects

The Godavari River has been harnessed for various infrastructure projects, including dams, hydroelectric power stations, and irrigation projects. These projects have played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, providing electricity, irrigation water, and flood control.

The Godavari Express, a named passenger train service in India, was established on February 1, 1974. This train connects various destinations along the Godavari River basin, facilitating travel and commerce in the region. The train service is named after the river, underscoring its importance as a regional landmark.

### Ecosystem and Environment

The Godavari delta is home to one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India. These mangroves serve as breeding grounds for various species of fish, crabs, and shrimp, supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities. The delta region is also home to diverse bird species, including migratory birds that visit the area during winter months.

The river and its tributaries support a variety of aquatic life, including several species of fish that are important for both commercial and ecological reasons. However, the river ecosystem faces challenges from pollution, habitat destruction, and water extraction for agricultural and industrial purposes.

### Historical Context

The Godavari River has been mentioned in ancient Indian texts for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest known rivers in the Indian subcontinent. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, mentions the river among the sacred rivers of India. Throughout history, the river has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations, trade routes, and cultural exchanges in southern India.

The river's delta region has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of ancient settlements along its banks. The region has seen the rise and fall of various dynasties, all of whom recognized the strategic and economic importance of the river.

### Related Entities

The Godavari River is connected to several other entities in the knowledge graph:

- **Godavari Express**: A passenger train service named after the river, operational since 1974
- **West Godavari district**: A district in Andhra Pradesh named after the river
- **Rigvedic rivers**: The Godavari is listed among the rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda
- **Dugarwadi waterfall**: A waterfall located in Maharashtra, associated with the river system
- **India**: The country through which the river flows

### Modern Significance

In contemporary India, the Godavari River continues to be of vital importance to the states it traverses. The river provides drinking water to millions of people, supports extensive agricultural activities, and generates hydroelectric power. The Godavari River Basin is one of the most densely populated river basins in the world, with millions of people depending on its resources for their livelihoods.

Environmental conservation efforts are underway to protect the river's ecosystem, including mangrove restoration projects, pollution control measures, and sustainable water management practices. The river also attracts tourists to its scenic locations, religious sites, and biodiversity-rich delta regions.

## References

1. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q402858)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. Quora
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File