[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.39 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.39 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.39 - **Language:** English ### [c5.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.39) AHALYĀ. Wife of the Rishi Gautama, and a very beautiful woman. In the Rāmāyana it is stated that she was the first woman made by Brahmā, and that he gave her to Gautama. She was seduced by Indra, who had to suffer for his adultery. One version of the Rāmāyana represents her as knowing the god and being flattered by his condescension; but another version states that the god assumed the form of her husband, and so deceived her. Another story is that Indra secured the help of the moon, who assumed the form of a cock and crowed at midnight. This roused Gautama to his morning’s devotions, when Indra went in and took his place. Gautama expelled Ahalyā from his hermitage, and deprived her of her prerogative of being the most beautiful woman in the world, or, according to another statement, he rendered her invisible. She was restored to her natural state by Rāma and reconciled to her husband. This seduction is explained mythically by Kumārila Bhatta as Indra (the sun’s) carrying away the shades of night—the name Ahalyā, by a strained etymology, being made to signify ‘night.’ - [Previous: c5.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.38) - [Next: c5.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.40) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.39) · Pramāṇa