Ahilya

Ahilya, also known as Ahalya, is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, particularly featured in the epic Ramayana. According to the story, she was the wife of the sage Gautama. The narrative recounts how Ahilya was cursed by her husband to become a stone for a thousand years, after she was deceived by the god Indra, who disguised himself as Gautama. This curse was a consequence of her perceived transgression, though interpretations vary on her level of complicity.

The Ramayana states that Ahilya was eventually redeemed by the touch of the feet of Rama, the protagonist of the epic. This divine touch broke the curse, restoring her to her original form. Her story is often seen as a tale of redemption and the power of divine intervention. Ahilya's character has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, with some emphasizing her purity and innocence, while others focus on the moral lessons derived from her experience. Her presence in the Ramayana highlights themes of dharma, karma, and the consequences of actions. Various regional traditions and retellings of the Ramayana offer different perspectives on Ahilya's life and her role in the narrative.