Ahalya is the wife of the sage Gautama in Hindu mythology.
- Gautama's curse turns her into stone, but she is subsequently brought back to life by touching the deity Rama's foot.
- The deity Indra, who has a desire for Ahalya, is responsible for Gautama's curse.
- When Gautama walks to the river to bathe (snana), Indra assumes Gautama's body and travels to Ahalya with the intention of making love to her.
- Whether Ahalya is aware of her lover's identity varies according to the accounts—in some, she is pleased by Indra's attention, while in others, she is truly misled.
- As a punishment for his desire, Gautama curses Ahalya to become a stone and Indra to have a thousand vaginas on his body.
- Gautama is eventually persuaded to change the curses such that Ahalya would stay a stone until Rama's foot touches her, and Indra will be covered in a thousand eyes instead.
This tale mainly demonstrates the sages' ability to curse even the gods, but the various versions also show differing beliefs about women's character.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
