(Both the THs in this name are pronounced like 'th' in 'with'. )
Vithastha was one of the ancient rivers of India. It was mentioned many times in many chronicles.
It is one among the many rivers mentioned in Bheeshma Parva by Sanjaya while he was describing the Bharatha Khanda land listing the hills, rivers and habitations therein.
The big list of rivers mentioned then contain the following rivers ( some names are repeated).
Ganga, Sindhu, Sarasvathi,Godaavari, Narmada, Baahuda, Mahaanadi,Shathadru, Chandrabhaaga,Yamuna, Drishadvathi, Vipaasha, Vipaapa, Sthoolavaaluka,Vethravathi, Krishnaveni, Iraavathi, Vitastha, Payoshni, Devika,Vedasmritha, Vedavathi, Ikshula, Krimi,Kareeshini, Chithravaaha, Chithrasena, Gomathi, Vandana, Koushiki, Thridiva, Krithya,Nichita, Lohithaarani, Rahasya, Shathakumbha, Sarayu, Charmanvathi,Vena, Bheemarath, Kaaveri, Chuluka, Vaani, Shathabala, Neevaara, Ahithaa, Supprayoga, Pavithra, Kundali, Raajani, Puramaalini, Poorvaabhiraama, Veera, Bheema, Oghavathi, Paashaashini, Paapahara, Mahendra, Paatalaavathi, Asikni, Kushacheera, Makari, Pravari, Mena, Hema, Ghrithavathi,Puraavathi, Anushna, Shybya, Kaapi,Sadaaneera, Adhrishya, Kushadhaara, Sadaakaantha, Shiva, Veeravathi, Vasthraa, Suvasthraa, Gouri,Kampana, Hiranvathi, Varaa, Veerakara, Panchami, Rathachithra, Jyothiratha, Vishvaamithra, Kapinjala,Upendra, Bahula,Kuveera, Ambuvaahini, Vinadi, Pinjala, Thungavena, Vidisha,Thaamra, Kapila,Khalu, Suvaama, Vedaashva, Harishraava,Sheeghra, Pichchila,Bhaaradvaaji, Shrona, Chandrama, Durga, Chithrashila,Brahmavedhya, Brihadvathi, Yavashva, Rouhi, Jambu,Sunasa, Thamasa,Daasi,Vasa, Anya, Varaanasi, Neela, Dhrithavathi, Parnaasha, Maanavi, Vrishabha, Brahmamedhya, Brihaddhvani, Mandaga, Braahmani, Mahaagouri, Chithropala, Chithraratha, Manjula, Mandaakini, Vytharani, Kosha, Shukthimathi, Ananga, Vrisha,Lohithya, Karathoya, Vrishaka, Kumaari, Rishikulya and Maarisha .
Sanjaya added that hat there were many other rivers in their hundreds and thousands.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA