Ahalya's Redemption and Journey to Mithila (Ramayana Series 7)

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🔱 The Command of the Sage 🔱

Sage Vishwamitra, having recounted the tale of Indra and Ahalya who had incurred the wrath of the great Sage Gautama, turned to Rama and said:

"Rama! I have narrated to you the full story of Ahalya. Now, O virtuous one, enter the sacred hermitage of Sage Gautama and redeem the blessed, divine Ahalya."

🌺 Rama's Entry into the Sacred Hermitage 🌺

Obeying the sage's words, Rama, with Lakshmana by his side and Vishwamitra leading the way, entered Gautama's divine hermitage. As Rama stepped into the ashram, he beheld Ahalya—glowing with the radiance earned from a thousand years of penance. So resplendent was her form that neither gods nor mortals could previously gaze upon her.

She shimmered like a flame, her form wrapped in dust like sacred fire smoke, her body glowing like the full moon behind veils of clouds. Rama's presence freed her from the curse, and she became visible to all beings.

🙏 Divine Hospitality 🙏

Rama and Lakshmana, overwhelmed with joy, bowed to the noble Ahalya. In turn, she honored them with water for washing feet, sipping, and offered forest fruits—all according to sacred rituals. Rama accepted her hospitality with devotion.

Soon, Sage Gautama, aware of Rama’s presence through divine vision, arrived and, witnessing Ahalya free from her curse, welcomed Rama with honor. The sage then resumed his penance, and Rama, receiving such affectionate welcome, set off toward Mithila with Vishwamitra and Lakshmana.

🚩 Arrival at Janaka’s Yajna-shala 🚩

Guided by Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana soon reached the northeastern side of Mithila and arrived at the sacrificial hall of King Janaka.

On hearing of Vishwamitra's arrival, King Janaka, accompanied by his pure-hearted priest Shatananda, approached the sage with devotion and humility. After exchanging pleasantries, Janaka said:

"O venerable one! Today, by your divine presence, my yajna has been blessed. With twelve days left for the Satyahoma, the gods themselves shall descend to receive their offerings, and you shall witness it."

Janaka, deeply intrigued, then respectfully asked:

"O Sage! These youthful warriors—majestic like elephants, focused like lions, fierce like tigers, with wide lotus-like eyes, and celestial grace—who are they? What brings them here on foot? Whose sons are they, and how did they travel this far?"

Vishwamitra replied with calm pride:

"O King Janaka, these princes are none other than the sons of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya."

He then narrated their journey:

• Their arrival at Siddhashrama and the slaying of demons

• Their fearless passage through dangerous forests

• Their reception at Vishala and hospitality from King Sumati

• The sacred meeting with Ahalya and Sage Gautama

Finally, he declared the purpose of their arrival in Mithila—to witness and attempt the bow of Shiva.

📿 Thus, the Journey Continues… 📿

With hearts full of reverence and destiny drawing near, the story of Rama and Lakshmana unfolds further in the divine land of Mithila, as the sacred bow awaits the hand destined to lift it.

Stay tuned in this issue of Ramayana Magazine for the next divine chapter…