Ahalya (Part 3)

Falling at the feet of Sage Gautama, Ahalya did not rise again. She did not move, nor did she speak. She became stone—silent, lifeless, unresponsive. She could see everything around her, but to others she appeared like a rock, crudely carved by someone’s hand. The touch of sun, rain, or cold caused her no pain. She could not call out to anyone. Turned to stone, she remained only a mute witness, bound to an eternity of waiting.

Time rolled on. Birth and death, joy and sorrow, day and night—all passed her by without measure. Just as in our own lives, where happiness seems fleeting and suffering drags endlessly, Ahalya’s ordeal stretched on like an unending night.

She could not call upon the redeemer she longed for, for she had no voice, no words, no power of prayer. Only time itself would one day bring deliverance. Until then—waiting, only waiting.

Meanwhile, the great sage Vishwamitra—renowned not only in Treta Yuga but in all ages for his penance, perseverance, and supreme attainment of knowledge—performed a sacred yajna at his hermitage for the welfare of the world. But in those days, violent demons disturbed such rituals. For protection, Vishwamitra summoned Rama and Lakshmana, the sons of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. With their strength, the yajna was completed without obstruction.

During the yajna, word spread among those present that King Janaka of Mithila was preparing for the marriage of his daughter Sita. The condition was this: whoever could lift and string the mighty bow of Lord Shiva, preserved in Janaka’s court, would win her hand. With the noble resolve that this bow—embodying the power to uphold the world—should rightfully belong to Rama, Vishwamitra set out with Rama and Lakshmana towards Mithila.

On their journey, they entered the forest that once belonged to Sage Gautama and Ahalya. Rama was startled. Lakshmana stood in wonder. Vishwamitra, though aware of the truth, kept a solemn face.

Rama gazed around.

“Gurudeva, what has happened here? What is this mystery? Someone seems to be sitting here… someone calls out… but who is it?”

Vishwamitra, in a grave voice, replied: “Look closely. You must see and understand for yourself.”

Rama walked forward, step by step, towards the strange sight that lay ahead…

To be continued next week…