Lilajan River, River system in Bihar, India
The Lilajan River is a river in Bihar, India, flowing through the Chatra and Gaya districts. It rises on the Hazaribagh plateau and eventually joins the Mohana River, which then becomes the Falgu River.
Early Buddhist texts link this river to Siddhartha Gautama, who is said to have practiced asceticism along its banks before reaching enlightenment near Bodh Gaya. This connection helped establish the surrounding area as a place of religious importance over many centuries.
The Lilajan is considered sacred in this part of Bihar, partly because of its connection to Bodh Gaya nearby. Pilgrims and local people sometimes stop at the banks to wash or offer prayers, especially during religious festivals.
The river is easiest to visit between October and March, after the monsoon has passed and water levels have dropped. If you plan to walk along the banks or reach the Bichkiliya falls west of Chatra, sturdy footwear is a good idea as the terrain can be uneven.
The Bichkiliya waterfalls, west of Chatra, are one of the few spots where the river drops sharply and forms a natural pool below. This feature makes the site noticeably different from the rest of the river, which flows gently across flat or open land.
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