Ahalya's Liberation

After completing the yajna he had planned, Vishwamitra led the princes to Emperor Janak's capital, Mithila. There, Janak had arranged a swayamvar for his daughter, Seeta. On the way, they passed through a breathtakingly beautiful but uninhabited ashram. This ashram had once been the home of Gautama Muni and his wife, Ahalya.

Indra, the king of the gods, was smitten with Ahalya's beauty. One day, while Gautam Muni was away, Indra assumed his form and made love to Ahalya. When Gautam returned, he saw Indra leaving the cottage. He instantly divined what had transpired and cursed Indra. He then turned to Ahalya and cursed her as well, transforming her into a rock. When Ahalya pleaded for forgiveness, Gautam relented and said, "You will be freed from the curse when Lord Ram touches you with his feet."

Sure enough, the moment Ram's feet touched the rock, Ahalya returned to life and bowed to him. Ram blessed her to return to her homeland and continued on his journey.