Ahalya Moksham

Ram and Lakshman were on their way to the kingdom of Janak accompanied by Viswamitra Maharshi. On the way they passed through the most aesthetic and divine place on the banks of the river Ganga…..It was the holy place where Gowtama muni’s ashram stood….Ram was amazed by the divinity of the ashram and its surroundings covered by plants full of beautiful flowers and fruits, all untouched by living beings.

Ram looked at Viswamitra and asked, “Maharshe, Taponidhe, Who owns this divine place which makes anyone so pleasant? What is the concealed secret of this place which makes anyone feel a divinity?”

Viswamitra replied, “Listen to me, Ram, I’ll tell you the story….Here lived the celestial and powerful Gowtama muni in his Ashram. Brahma the creator, married his daughter Ahalya, the heavenly beautiful girl to Gowtama muni. Gowtama muni was most pleased with Ahalya’s worship, chastity and duties to her husband. They were leading a perfect life of peace and happiness.

It was then that Indra tried to seduce Ahalya. Indra is the king of gods and the ruler of Heaven. Indra is a great warrior and the symbol of courage and strength. The Devas lead by Indra wages war against the Asuras.

The Rig-Veda states,

He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, the villages, and cattle;

He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.

With all that power and Ahankar (pride), Indra wanted Ahalya. He couldn’t forget the Vishwamohini roopam of Ahalya, and finally decided to trick her. He was so blind with lust. Indra attained the form of Gowthama, in his absence, and persuaded Ahalya and seduced her.

Gowthama happened to witness this union of his wife and Indra in disguise. His rage was uncontrollable. In his fury, Gowthama cursed Indra to attain a form which he should be ashamed of…..He pleaded mercy to the Muni, saying it was his ignorance, but the Muni had already cast his curse and Indra had to go back to his kingdom in shame.

To the horrified Ahalya, Gowthama said,”Shame on you, you cruel woman, your act was most despicable….Your contemptable act is unforgivable..You disgraceful woman, your ignominious act has to be chastised….You have to undergo severe penance….You do the repentance by remaining a stone, remain here without food and water praying to Rama. No animal will come to this sacred place and when your penance is over after hundreds of years, Lord Ram will come this way. When Ram’s foot touches you, you will be free from your penance. With blessings from Ram, you can come back to me. “

The story was narrated by Viswamitra, and Ram along with Lakshman stepped into the Aashram. Ram bowed the Muni patni in respect, saying “Ramoham”. Ahalya opened her eyes and had the blissful sight of Lord himself. She had no words, and tears rolled out of her eyes. Ahalya bowed her head on the feet of Ram in ecstasy of salvation.

There is no sin or guilt which cannot be pardoned by repentance and pure faith in God. God himself will appear and devoid us from all sins.

That seems to be the moral of this story.