Journey to Mithila - Ahalya's Story (Ramayana Series - 6)

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🔸Departure from Siddhashrama

After the completion of the sacred yajna at Siddhashrama, the noble sage Vishwamitra, accompanied by Rama, Lakshmana, and a group of great rishis, circumambulated the divine hermitage. Their journey then commenced toward the north. After covering a long distance, the sun began to set, and the travelers rested on the banks of the Shonabhadra river.

🔸Tales Along the Way: Kushananda and the Sons of Brahma

As they moved onward, Vishwamitra engaged Rama and Lakshmana in enriching stories to enlighten their journey. He narrated the origins of the land known as the "Land of the Vasus" on the banks of the Shonabhadra, tales of Brahma's son Kusha and his four illustrious children, the origin of the sacred Ganga, and the tale of gods and demons churning the ocean. Their journey brought them to the famed city of Vishala.

🔸The Glory of Vishala and Its Kings

Rama, curious about the grandeur of Vishala, inquired about its past. Vishwamitra responded:

"O Rama, in ancient times, King Ikshvaku had a son named Vishala, born of Queen Alambusha. A man of great dharma, he built this city and ruled with righteousness. From him descended a lineage of powerful and virtuous kings: Hemachandra, Suchandra, Dhoomrashva, Srunjaya, Sahadeva, Kushashva, Somadatta, Kakutstha, and finally Sumati, who now rules Vishala. These kings, descendants of Ikshvaku, are known for their longevity, valor, and virtue. Tonight, let us rest here in Vishala before proceeding to Mithila. There, you shall meet the noble King Janaka."

🔸Royal Welcome by King Sumati

While this conversation was unfolding, King Sumati, having received word of Vishwamitra's arrival, came forth with his ministers and priests to greet the great sage and his entourage. He welcomed them with royal honor and hospitality. As he beheld Rama and Lakshmana, he was struck with awe:

"O venerable sage! Who are these two radiant young men? Their form is divine, their gait regal, their arms strong like elephants, their eyes like lotus petals. They seem like gods descended to earth. Pray tell me their story."

🔸Vishwamitra Narrates the Glory of Rama and Lakshmana

Vishwamitra, pleased with the king's inquiry, narrated the tale of King Dasharatha, the Putrakameshti Yajna, the birth of the four princes, the demonic disturbances at Siddhashrama, and how Rama and Lakshmana valiantly protected the yajna and defeated the demons. He also shared their current mission: to visit King Janaka in Mithila and witness the great Shiva Dhanush (Bow of Shiva). Hearing this, King Sumati felt deep joy and extended his heartfelt hospitality to the princes.

🔸Rama's Curiosity about an Abandoned Hermitage

After spending the night in King Sumati's palace, the party set forth at dawn towards Mithila. On the way, Rama noticed a serene yet abandoned hermitage in a grove and inquired:

"O revered sage! This hermitage resembles a rishi's dwelling, yet it is deserted. Whose ashrama was this, and why is it uninhabited now?"

🔸The Story of Ahalya: The Cursed Beauty

Vishwamitra replied:

"Rama, this was once the holy ashrama of the great sage Gautama and his wife Ahalya. Both performed intense penance here. One day, when Gautama was away, Indra, the king of gods, took on Gautama's form and approached Ahalya with lustful intent. Though Ahalya recognized the deception, she yielded to the temptation, fascinated by the god's attention.

Indra, pleased with his success, was about to leave when Gautama returned. Furious at the betrayal and the misuse of his form, Gautama cursed Indra: 'You have committed a vile act. Henceforth, you shall be emasculated.'

Turning to Ahalya, Gautama said: 'You shall become invisible to all beings and remain here, sustained by air alone, covered in ashes, repenting for your deed. Only when the son of Dasharatha, Rama, touches this soil shall you be redeemed and regain your form.' Gautama then left for the Himalayas to continue his penance."

🔸Ahalya's Redemption Awaits

Vishwamitra concluded: "O Rama, this ashrama remains deserted, awaiting your arrival. Your presence alone will sanctify the ground and deliver Ahalya from her long penance."

Thus, with awe and reverence, Rama looked upon the hermitage, preparing for the divine destiny that lay ahead.

To Be Continued in Mithila...

Stay with us as we continue the journey of Rama and Lakshmana to the grand city of Mithila, where destiny awaits with a bow that only the worthy may lift.