Ahalya
Thus each enquired about the other’s welfare. KingSumathy was often looking at the 2 Princes (Rama &Lakshmana) was lured by their Effervescent Aura and Valour and was awestruck **(naturally seeing God in Human form)and asked Sage Kaushika “May all Well being happen to you. Who are these Kids? They seem to be like Devathas(Celestials) having Vaour.They are having the walking gait of an Elephant, and the Haughty Lion’s Pride and the Tiger’s which makes the Enemy’s tremble with it’s walk. They are having enchanting broad Eyes like the Lotus petal. They are wearing the Bow & Arrow with ease like Great Warriors at this young age. In beauty and Handsomeness; even Ashwini Devas can they equal them? The boyishness is being taken over by Adult hood. They Look like the Celestials have come in the interest of the Earthlings. The Day gets it’s shine from Sun and the Night becomes ruptious due to Moon. But my country is Bright by these two Princes as though Sun and Moon are shedding their light simultaneously. They seem to have been brought up in an affluent family, how could they walk in these Forests? What was the purpose of their Visits?” asked the King Sumathi.
Seeing their Auspicious Look they look to be contended Men of Eminence having seen all the Luxuries and comforts of Life. Hence they should have come here in the welfare of others. Who are the Great Souls who have been blessed with such Children? It is very difficult to differentiate the following features between the two in Walk, Dress,Seeing poture,Speech and Actions. Please tell me in details the reasons for these 2 Princes who are armed well and coming in an uninhabitted place. I infer that they are people who will alleviate the sufferings and pains of those who come to them. Still I would like to know more about them” said the King Sumathy. Then Sage Kaushik explained that Rama Lakshmana have just recently killed Subhau, Thataka and won battle over Mareecha and thus helped in performing the Yaga in Sidhashrama. KingSumathy expressed his happiness in getting the sons of Emperor Dasaratha of Ayodhya as (Athithi) Guest Visitors and offered felicitation done as per the Treditions then.They all stayed for the night and left for Mythila the next morning.
Coming near the place the Munis said “ GoodGood” appreciating the beauty and Prosperity of the place.On the way they saw a Cottage deserted Rama asked Sage Kaushika “ Hey Master! This place is very enchanting and beautiful This place is worth for Rishis to Live. It seems to be in existence for long. Why no Saints are there now? Whom does this belong to?.
Sage Kaushika was happy that the time has come for Ahalya’s Curse coming to an end. And said “ Rama Listen Sage Gauthama did penance for Long here .Due to his anger this Holy place has been affected and become so desolate. Even Devas would like to Live here. Gutama who was supreme in Wisdom(Gyanam) and Acharam (Disciplinarian in adhearance) he lived with his wife Ahalya for long time. One day when Gautam was not home, The king of Devas came in the disguise of her husband and said “ Ahalya I am in mood, can’t wait as I am spell bound by your beauty and would like to Enjoy you.” Hearing these words, it crossed Ahalya’s mind never had Guatama spoken or expressed openly like this earlier. Except Indra no one can come here into this cottage. I have been hearing he has been having an eye on me for long time., hence he is Indra who has come in the guise of Gautam Muni . Indra King of Devas who has many a Apsaras(Angel) with beauty in his fold and he has come to see me, this thought polluted her mind and she consented. Then when her desire was fulfilled she addressed Indra “ I enjoyed because of your friendship. Please depart before Guatam comes. We have to guard from any harm being done to you and me”
Indra thought “Iam the king of 33core ie 330 Million Devas, She is thinking I can be harmed by someone smiled and said ‘ My Desire is fulfilled I will take leave‘ and came out of the Cottage. He was walking very fast afraid Sage Gautam will return, He saw the Great sage coming. SageGautam Since he has been doing penance for long , none of the Devas or Asuras can win over him. He was dazzling like a Sun after having had a bath in Ganga and was having the Kushal Grass in his hands. Indra was trembling with ashen face, he who was King of Celestials and is responsible for administering Dharma(Righteous conduct) in all 3 worlds, had scuccumbed to lust..Sage Gautam was furious that Indra had the audacity to come to his Hermittage and spoilt his chaste wife in the garb of her husband and said “ Hey wicked minded, you have worn my disguise, had performed this unpardonable Sin May all the Powers may be destroyed”.
Then Sage Gautam focused his anger against Ahalya“ You will have only Air as food and will liedown on Ash and will be invicible and stay here for many years. Ikshvaku Dynasty Dasratha’s son Sri Ramachandra will come to this desolate Forest,Please perform him Athithi puja(Prayers to Visitor), this will remove your Sins you will get back your original form and you can come and join me. You will cast out Jealousy and Lust and you will become worthy to be my wife again.” Thus he gave the rule applicable for someone who had illicit relation, for salvation in the form of Curse including the solution for the same. Sage Gautama left for Holy Himalayas top where Sidhas Charanaas do penance. (Slokas 36)
****************.