Story Of Ahalya

Story Of Ahalya

The two princes willingly accepted the proposal, and so they set out again. Passing through fabulous forests, crossing fresh and uncontaminated rivers and streams, they spoke of ancient stories of sages and Devas. Visvamitra told the stories of his family tree and the wonderful story of his life. One night he also told the story of the Ganges River and its descent into the middle and lower planets. Then the small group arrived at the hermitage where Ahalya still lived. Visvamitra told his story:

“Long ago this hermitage belonged to the saint Gautama who, assisted by his wife Ahalya, practiced severe austerities. In those days there was no more beautiful woman than her, so much so that even Indra, the king of the celestial planets, fell in love with her. One day when Gautama had left the hermitage, Indra decided to take his likeness thinking of deceiving Ahalya, and entered the hut.”

“Indra asked the woman to lie with him. Ahalya looked at him. She realized that it was not her husband, and she also understood that it was Indra. However, she accepted. 

After the intercourse, Indra felt panicked for fear that Gautama might return and find him there. He got up quickly and started to flee, but to no avail: Gautama was back; he was already there, behind the door. Seeing Indra flee, he understood what had happened and cursed him violently:

‘You entered my ashrama and by taking my likeness you enjoyed my wife’s body. For this vile act you will become powerless.’

“As Indra fled, Gautama turned to his wife who was trembling like a leaf with fear. Looking at her intently, he said:

‘And you, dear wife, you have not been faithful to me. However, my feeling for you has not changed. You will purify yourself of your sin by living for many years in this hermitage with a body invisible to the eyes of men and you will eat only air. You will sleep in a bed of ashes and suffer from limitless remorse. But when Rama, the son of Dasaratha, visits this place you will be free from my curse and we will live together again.’

“Ahalya was happy to be able to purify her guilt in this way,” Visvamitra continued, “and to be able to one day return to live happily with her husband. Indra regained his sexual capacity after much time and effort, but Ahalya still waits to be freed from her pains. It is up to you to restore her peace. Then, enter the hermitage.”

As soon as Rama entered, he saw in front of him a beautiful woman who looked at him with grateful eyes. A few moments later the sage Gautama appeared, thanked the prince heartily and then, together, they disappeared.

 

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