Shloka 1.48.31

अहल्याशापवर्णनम् (The Account of Ahalyā’s Curse and the Deserted Hermitage near Mithilā)

Devanagari script

यदा चैतद्वनं घोरं रामो दशरथात्मज:।।।।आगमिष्यति दुर्धर्षस्तदा पूता भविष्यसि।

Transliteration

evam uktvā mahā-tejā gautamo duṣṭa-cāriṇīm |

imam āśramam utsṛjya siddha-cāraṇa-sevite |

himavac-chikhare puṇye tapas tepe mahā-tapāḥ |

Translation

Having spoken thus, the radiant sage Gautama—an ascetic of great austerity—abandoned this hermitage, frequented by Siddhas and Cāraṇas, and on the holy peaks of Himavat practiced penance.

Context

'When the son of Dasaratha, the unassailable Rama enters this dreadful forest, you will be cleansed (of this sin)'.

Characters & Entities

• Gautama
• Ahalyā
• āśrama (hermitage)
• Himavat
• Siddhas
• Cāraṇas

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is upheld through detachment and disciplined spiritual practice: Gautama withdraws from the compromised setting and recommits to tapas in a sanctified place.

What is the narrative situation?

After issuing the curse and conditions for purification, Gautama departs the hermitage and proceeds to Himavat’s holy peaks to continue austerities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ascetic steadfastness (tapas) and renunciation: the sage prioritizes spiritual discipline and moral order over remaining in a painful domestic context.