When Indra was stripped of his brilliance by the curse cast upon him by the sage Gautama, he sought the aid of all divine unions—the gods, the Yakshas, the Gandharvas, and the sages. To them, he recounted his plight, explaining that he had been compelled to counteract the power of Gautama’s penance to fulfill the desire of the gods. He confessed, “I chose Ahalya as the means, but in doing so, I became the subject of Gautama’s wrath and curse. Ahalya too has been commanded to dwell in deep meditation, unseen by any, for ages.”
Indra implored them for a way to restore his lost brilliance, declaring that he would need every measure of wit and dexterity to continue ruling the three worlds. The gods and guardians of the directions convened and devised a solution. They approached the spirits of their forefathers, imploring them to bestow upon Indra a portion of their share of oblations, assuring them they would lose nothing by this gesture but would aid in Indra’s restoration. With their consent, the forefathers, through Agni, offered their sacred portion, thus returning Indra to his former brilliance.
“O Rama, the embodiment of compassion and kindness,” the sage continued, “enter the hermitage of Sage Gautama and bestow upon Ahalya the blessing to emerge from her curse, once again to join Gautama in ascetic devotion. Her divine radiance rivals the light of the Sun, and her serene presence excels even the full moon’s compassionate glow.”
When Rama and Lakshmana reverently touched her feet, Ahalya manifested before them in a human form, as though a goddess had descended upon earth to bless them. Formal rites were completed, and the moment resonated throughout the universe; divine drums sounded, conch shells echoed, and flowers rained down as nature itself rejoiced. An aura of sacred joy enveloped all present, and a profound stillness filled every heart.
Gautama then appeared, exchanging warm greetings in genuine spirit. With due reverence, he granted Rama, Lakshmana, and the sage Vishwamitra leave from the hermitage. Reflecting upon the divine experience, they soon arrived at the elevated sacrificial ground, adorned in the finest Vedic tradition. The place was resplendent, alive with holy fervor, and filled with eminent visitors: gods, Gandharvas, sages, Vedic scholars, virtuous Brahmins, Yakshas, Kinnaras, and many other divine beings, all gathered to grace the grand yajna being conducted by King Janaka.
Rama turned to Vishwamitra and said, “O Sage, kindly suggest a quieter place where we may stay undisturbed. This area is abuzz with chariots, elephants, horses, and throngs of kings and rulers.”
Vishwamitra led them to a serene, secluded spot where they performed their rites and rested. When King Janaka learned of Vishwamitra’s arrival, he, along with his chief priest Shatananda—the eldest son of Ahalya and Gautama—and other nobles, approached with ritual offerings, welcoming the sage with deep respect. Inquiring about Janaka’s welfare, Vishwamitra asked, “Is every part of the yajna proceeding as desired? Are there any unspoken concerns?”
The king humbly replied, “O revered sage, your presence here is the crowning grace of my yajna. By Lord Brahma’s blessing, your arrival at this auspicious hour brings unparalleled honor to my kingdom. Please take your seats as befits the Vedic tradition.”
As all settled comfortably, King Janaka turned to Vishwamitra and asked, “Who are these radiant youths, shining like the sun and moon? Their strength is akin to mighty elephants, and their grace rivals that of young lions. They stand at the threshold of youth, clad in armor and bearing bows and quivers—a testimony to their valor and poise.”
Vishwamitra spoke of Rama and Lakshmana’s valiant deeds, describing their defeat of demons, the completion of sacred yajnas, and their liberation of Ahalya from her curse. Deeply moved, Janaka took the youths near and blessed them with grace and kindness.
Shatananda then touched Vishwamitra’s feet, expressing heartfelt gratitude for restoring his parents’ ascetic brilliance. Praising Rama and Lakshmana’s universal grace and noble bearing, he declared, “O Rama and Lakshmana, this sage before you are no ordinary man. Through virtues and penance, he has risen to the rank of Brahmarishi, his mastery of self-control setting him apart as one of the greatest sages. Let me tell you of his remarkable past, which I am certain will fill you with admiration. Once a powerful king and a wise ruler, he governed with such balance that none under his reign harbored discontent. Descending from the noble line of Kusanabha and son of Gadhi, he journeyed far with his army, conquering many lands until he arrived at the peaceful hermitage of the sage Vashishta.”
In that sacred haven, alive with divine visitors, celestial songs, and the harmony of birds and beasts, Vishwamitra beheld Vashishta, radiant as a reflection of Brahma himself. As dusk fell, they all returned to their abodes, each touched by the sanctity of the gathering.