Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 49, Shloka 17
अहल्याशापमोक्षः
The Release of Ahalya and Indra’s Restoration
स्मरन्ती गौतमवच: प्रतिजग्राह सा च तौ।।।।पाद्यमर्घ्यं तथाऽऽतिथ्यं चकार सुसमाहिता।प्रतिजग्राह काकुत्स्थो विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा।।।।
smarantī gautama-vacaḥ pratijagrāha sā ca tau |
pādyam arghyaṃ tathā ātithyaṃ cakāra su-samāhitā |
pratijagrāha kākutstho vidhi-dṛṣṭena karmaṇā ||
Remembering Gautama’s words, she received them with due honor: she offered water for washing the feet, the arghya of reverence, and proper hospitality with a composed mind. Kakutstha (Rama) accepted these rites as prescribed by tradition.
On seeing Ahalya, her body purified by the power of penance at Gautama's command, the devatas worshipfully exclaimed, 'Excellent, Excellent!'
FAQs
Atithi-dharma: honoring guests with prescribed courtesies, performed with sincerity and mental composure; dharma is not only action but the disciplined attitude behind it.
After Ahalya’s restoration, she welcomes Rama (and Lakshmana) remembering Gautama’s instruction, offering traditional hospitality rites which Rama accepts.
Ahalya’s mindful propriety and Rama’s maryādā—accepting hospitality according to established tradition.