Namasthe- Symbolism of Ahalya

February 2, 2009

Dear all,

We are all very familiar with Ahalya's story. Just to jolt the memory, let us go through the story briefly. Gautama maharshi and his wife Ahalya were living peacefully near King Janaka's kingdom of Mithila. Ahalya was a very beautiful woman and she was proud of her beauty. Once when sage Gauthama went to the river for his ablutions and prayers, Indra came disguised as Gautama and seduced Ahalya. Because of her vanity she lost her judgment and yielded to Indra's desire. When they realized the mistake both of them were afraid of their impending fate. Sage Gautama came to the ashramam after his ablutions and prayers and saw what happened with his inner eye. He was angry and cursed Indra to loose his manhood and cursed Ahalya to become an invisible being (like a stone) living on air. Then he gave " shaapamoksham " to Ahalya and told her that in Thretha yuga when Rama came and entered the ashramam, she would regain her beautiful body. Rama came on His way to Mithila with Viswamitra and Lakshmana and she got " shaapamoksham " . (There are several versions of Ahalya's story and this is one of them)

Now let us look at the symbolism:

1. Ahalya means one who dissolves in " ahas " or Daytime.

2. Gauthaman means Moon or Chandra.

3. Indran means Sun or Surya

The story is, when Gauthama went for his ablutions or bath, Indra seduced Ahalya. Symbolically, what happens when Moon (Gauthaman) disappears in the ocean or moon sets (goes for his bath and prayers)? This happens at the end of the night and Daytime (Ahalya) begins. Daytime (Ahalya) is greeted by Sun (Indra) and Sun (Indra) becomes the Lord of Daytime!(Ahalya)

So the story of Ahalya can be also seen as a beautiful poetic description of Sunrise (when moon disappears and day begins with Sun.)

Regards and prayers

Savitri