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[224] [Bahutkalpasutra 1. Ganga, 2. Jamuna, 3. Sarayu, 4. Eravati (Kosiya), 5. Mahi. It is not considered appropriate to cross these five great rivers, known for their vastness and abundant water, by swimming or by boat two or three times in a month. These rivers are: 1. Ganga, 2. Jamuna, 3. Sarayu, 4. Eravati (Kosiya), and 5. Mahi. However, if it is known that the Eravati river near Kunala city can be crossed by placing one foot in the water and one foot on land (or in the air), then it is considered appropriate to cross it two or three times in a month. If it cannot be crossed in this manner, then it is not considered appropriate to cross that river two or three times in a month. / Discussion - Rivers with continuous flow and deep water are called 'Madanadis'. In India, besides the five mentioned in the sutra, there are many other rivers like Sindhu, Brahmaputra, etc. All of them are included in the term 'Maharnava' and 'Mahanadi'. The word 'Uttaritte' used in the sutra means crossing by entering the water oneself, and the word 'Santaritie' means crossing by sitting in a boat, etc. Crossing by entering the water oneself leads to the violation of aquatic beings, and thorns, etc., present at the bottom of the river can prick the feet. Sometimes, due to the speed of the water flow, there can be self-violation as well. Crossing by boat, etc., leads to the violation of aquatic beings as well as six-bodied beings, and one has to depend on the boatman. / If the boatman demands a fee before or after crossing the river, then the problem of paying it arises, and there are many other potential problems. If there is a special reason to cross, then it should be done only once in a month, because the sutra clearly prohibits crossing by boat, etc., two or three times. For further discussion, see Nishita. Udde. 12 Sutra 44. The reference to Kunala city and the Eravati river is symbolic, therefore, wherever the Sadhus are staying for a month or a year, and there is a shallow river near that city, which can be crossed by placing one foot in the water and one foot on land (or in the air), then it is considered appropriate to cross it two or three times in a month.