Shloka 1.49.20

अहल्याशापमोक्षः — The Release of Ahalya and Indra’s Restoration

Devanagari script

साधु साध्विति देवास्तामहल्यां समपूजयन्।तपोबलविशुद्धाङ्गी गौतमस्य वशानुगाम्।।।।

Transliteration

smarantī gautama-vacaḥ pratijagrāha sā ca tau |

pādyam arghyaṃ tathā ātithyaṃ cakāra su-samāhitā |

pratijagrāha kākutstho vidhi-dṛṣṭena karmaṇā ||

Translation

Remembering Gautama’s words, she received them both with due honor: she offered water for washing the feet, the arghya of reverence, and proper hospitality, her mind well composed. Kakutstha (Rama) accepted these rites in the manner prescribed by tradition.

Context

On seeing Ahalya, her body purified by the power of penance at Gautama's command, the devatas worshipfully exclaimed, 'Excellent, Excellent!'

Characters & Entities

• Ahalya
• Gautama
• Rama (Kakutstha)
• Lakshmana (implied by ‘tau’)

FAQs

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

Atithi-dharma: honoring guests with prescribed courtesies, performed with sincerity and mental composure; dharma is not only action but the disciplined attitude behind it.

What is the narrative situation?

After Ahalya’s restoration, she welcomes Rama (and Lakshmana) remembering Gautama’s instruction, offering traditional hospitality rites which Rama accepts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ahalya’s mindful propriety and Rama’s maryādā—accepting hospitality according to established tradition.