The Sacred Ganga and Ahalya's Blessing

1. On the road to Mithila, Rama asked Vishvamitra about the sacred Ganga. The sage gladly told how the river came from the higher worlds.
2. Long ago King Sagara's many sons searched for a missing sacrificial horse. Digging through the earth, they reached the meditation place of sage Kapila.
3. The princes wrongly accused the peaceful sage of stealing the horse. Their anger brought a fiery reaction, and their bodies were reduced to ashes.
4. The royal family learned that sacred Ganga must touch the ashes to bless the princes. For many years their descendants prayed for her descent.
5. King Bhagiratha left royal comfort and performed deep austerities. He wished to help his ancestors, not to gain anything for himself.
6. Ganga appeared and agreed to come to earth, but her mighty fall could shatter the land. Bhagiratha then prayed to Lord Shiva for help.
7. Lord Shiva received the rushing Ganga in his matted hair. From his locks she flowed gently in many beautiful streams.
8. Bhagiratha guided Ganga across mountains, forests and plains. People and creatures rejoiced wherever her pure water passed.
9. At last Ganga touched the ashes of Sagara's sons and released them from suffering. Selfless perseverance had brought mercy to an entire family.
10. Vishvamitra finished the story as the travellers walked onward. Rama honoured Ganga, who had served the Lord's purpose.
11. They came to a silent ashrama that once belonged to sage Gautama and his wife Ahalya. Ahalya lived there unseen, waiting for Rama's arrival.
12. Because of a past mistake and Gautama's words, Ahalya had spent many years alone in repentance. She never stopped remembering the Lord.
13. Rama stepped into the hermitage, and His presence ended Ahalya's long sorrow. She became visible, radiant and peaceful.
14. Ahalya offered water, flowers and heartfelt prayers to Rama and Lakshmana. The brothers accepted her service with kindness.
15. Sage Gautama returned and welcomed Ahalya without bitterness. With blessings behind them, the travellers continued to Mithila.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11