________________
Indra
and
Ahalya
:
HALYA, the consort of the sage Gautama, had many enemies because of her beauty, No woman either before or after had been prettier, and she was considered to be the Creator's first child. Indeed he must have concentrated all his skill on fashioning her, for she conformed to the highest conceptions of feminine form and grace. Everyone, naturally, predicted that she would have no peace. And she soon became the subject of envious and intrigue in the Three Worlds. Goddesses and nymphs were particularly envious of her.
One day, Indra taunted the Apsaras (the celestial courtesans) thus: "My highest homage is reserved for Ahalya.”
"And we know," they retorted, "what you mean by homage where women are concerned. We are glad that she has attracted your attention. But please make sure that you do not perish while paying your homage to her.”
"Oh," observed the King of the Gods, "you want her to
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