SRI RAMACHARITRA MANJARI

(While returning to his Satya Loka from Lanka, along with Indra and other deities, Lord Brahma tells Indra about the origin of Ahalya. Please read, comment and share. SDN)

After getting Lord Indra released by granting the boon sought by Meghanada, Lord Brahma started narrating thus: “When I first began creation, all the subjects were created to look alike. There was no difference between the beings and it became difficult to differentiate among various beings of same species. Therefore, I thought deeply and created Ahalya with each and every organ being most charming and attractive. Hala in Sanskrit means ugly form and the defects arising out of it are summarily called as Halya. Therefore, one who had no such defects, deficiencies that could make her look ugly was named as Ahalya. Then, I started thinking about who should be her husband. At that time, you thought that being the Lord of the Deva Loka, you were the most eligible person to be her husband. Other deities too developed a desire for her. Then, I kept her with Sage Gautama. He protected her for several years. He never developed any lust for her. Recognising his steadfast mind and also the power of his penance, I got her married to Sage Gautama. All deities, who were earlier longing for her, left that desire for her after coming to know about her marriage with Gautama. Yet, you became angry with this arrangement, went to her Ashram in the guise of Gautama and spoiled her, when Gautama was not in the hermitage. Then, Gautama cursed you to get tied and arrested by your enemy and cursed Ahalya to become a stone. Illicit relationship with other women thus began with you and this trend will increase among human beings on earth, henceforth. Half of that sin committed by human beings will come to you. From now on, anyone ascending the throne of Indra, including you, will not be able to continue in that position eternally. Intermittently, the throne of Indra would be usurped by demons. All these were p

ronounced in the curse spelt by Gautama. He went on to say that from then on, several women would be highly charming. Finally, realising that she was not at fault in the episode, Sage Gautama said that with the touch of the feet of Rama, she would get relieved from the curse and she would regain her original form. Oh Lord Devendra, you were overpowered and arrested due to the curse of Gautama. Therefore, perform a sacrifice to appease Lord Vishnu to recover your throne. Your son has not died. He is safe in the sea under the protection of your father-in-law.”
As advised by Lord Brahma, Indra performed Vaishnava Yajna and regained his erstwhile position and status.