Discover the tale of Gautama and Ahalya in the Ramayana. Witness Indra's deception, Gautama's wrath, and the curse that shapes Ahalya's fate, awaiting Rama's arrival. 

Viswamitra's Tale of Gautama and Ahalya (Shlokas 1.48.1 - 1.48.34)

The Arrival at King Sumati's Kingdom (Shlokas 1.48.1 - 1.48.10)

After receiving hospitality from King Sumati, Viswamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana continued their journey towards Mithila. Upon their arrival, King Sumati warmly welcomed them and inquired about the two young princes:

"O Sage Viswamitra, who are these two youths? They possess remarkable qualities:

• The prowess of celestial beings

• The gait of elephants or lions

• Eyes large like lotus petals

• Weapons befitting great warriors

• Beauty comparable to the Ashvins (divine twin horsemen)

How did they come here on foot, and for what purpose?"

Viswamitra explained their stay at Siddhashrama (a sacred hermitage) and how the princes had slain the rakshasas (demons). Delighted by this news, King Sumati extended his hospitality to Rama and Lakshmana, honoring them as distinguished guests.

After spending a night in the kingdom, the group set out for Mithila. As they approached Janaka's city, the ascetics accompanying them praised its beauty.

The Deserted Hermitage (Shlokas 1.48.11 - 1.48.16)

Near Mithila, Rama noticed an old, beautiful, but deserted hermitage. Curious, he asked Viswamitra about its history. The sage began to narrate the tale of the great ascetic Gautama and his wife Ahalya, who had once lived there:

"O Rama, this hermitage once belonged to the illustrious Gautama. It was so magnificent that even the gods honored it. Gautama and Ahalya practiced severe austerities here for many years."

Indra's Deception (Shlokas 1.48.17 - 1.48.23)

Viswamitra continued the tale, explaining how Indra (the king of the gods) took advantage of Gautama's absence:

"Indra, desiring Ahalya, disguised himself as Gautama and approached her. He said, 'O beautiful one, those overcome by passion do not wait for the proper time. I desire union with you now.'"

Ahalya recognized Indra but, inclined towards the king of the celestials, consented to the union. Afterwards, she urged Indra to leave quickly, fearing Gautama's return. Indra, satisfied, prepared to depart.

Gautama's Return and Curse (Shlokas 1.48.24 - 1.48.34)

As Indra was leaving, he encountered Gautama returning to the hermitage. The sage, powerful from his austerities, immediately recognized Indra's deception.

Enraged, Gautama cursed Indra: "O wicked one, for assuming my form and committing this forbidden act, you shall lose your manhood."

Instantly, Indra's testicles fell to the ground.

Gautama then turned to Ahalya and pronounced her curse:

"You shall remain in this hermitage for thousands of years, surviving on air alone, lying in ashes, and invisible to all beings. Only when Rama, son of Dasharatha, enters this forest will you be purified. By offering him hospitality, you will be freed from passion and delusion, and regain your form by my side."

After pronouncing these curses, Gautama abandoned the hermitage and retreated to the Himalayas to continue his austerities.

Thus ends the Forty Eighth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.