Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c7.31

v1.c7.31

² Indra came in Gautama’s shape to her, at least according to the usual version. But here it is not clear whether this is the leading motive here, indeed, Gautama’s words in particular about the guest in Brahman’s shape rather speak against it, so after all “through evil passion” might be better. Of course, for this meaning of the word I can only bring forward from the MBh., xii, 290.20: avyasanitā, passionlessness. Cp. too the later note on the fact that Ahalya knew Indra very well.