Historical Geography of Ancient India c8.201

c8.201

Gautama-āśrama.—According to the Rāmāyaṇa (Ādik. 48 sarga, vv. 15-16), this hermitage was well-honoured by the gods. Here the great sage Gautama performed austerity with Ahalyā for many years. The Yoginitantra mentions it (2. 7. 8). It was situated near Janakapura. According to some it was situated at Gonda. Gautama was the author of Nyīyadarśana. Viśvāmitra visited this hermitage with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa on his way to the royal palace of Janaka. There he narrated the incident as to how Ahalyā, the wife of Gautama, was doomed as a result of her husband's curse. But after this unhappy incident the sage left the hermitage and remained absorbed in spiritual practices in the Himalayas. Rāma found this hermitage deserted.