Ahalya's Seclusion and Restoration

After leaving King Sumati's city, the travellers came within sight of Mithila. Near the road stood an old hermitage. Its paths were overgrown, and no voices greeted the arriving company.

Ram asked why the place was empty.

Sage Gautama and Ahalya had once lived there, Vishvamitra said. While the sage was away, Indra came to the hermitage wearing Gautama's own face, and deceived her.

Gautama returned and saw what had happened. He cursed Indra and condemned Ahalya to live apart, unseen and sustained by air, ash, and long discipline. He declared that when Ram entered the hermitage and received her hospitality, the isolation would end. Gautama then departed for the mountains.

Years passed. Dust covered the paths. Seasons changed around a person whom the world had stopped seeing.

Ram and Lakshman entered respectfully. They recognized the disciplined woman before them and bowed.

Ahalya welcomed the travellers according to the customs of hospitality. She offered water and the simple honours available in the hermitage.

Celestial signs of joy appeared. Gautama learned that the appointed moment had arrived and returned. Ahalya's isolation ended, and she rejoined the life of the hermitage.

Ram, Lakshman, and Vishvamitra then continued to Mithila. Behind them, the old hermitage was no longer silent.