Previous Year Question
On the bank of which river did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?
A.
Ganga
B.
Gandak
C.
Punpun
D.
Niranjana
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at Uruvela, present-day Bodh Gaya, near the Niranjana River, under the Bodhi Tree. Early Buddhist texts refer to this river as the Nerañjara. The Samyutta Nikaya describes the Buddha staying at Uruvela on the bank of the Nerañjara shortly after attaining enlightenment.
Fact: The ancient Nerañjara is generally identified with the present-day Lilajan or Nilajan River, which later joins the Mohana to form the Phalgu.