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Tales from Indian Mythology
me to commit the sacrilege of covering her. Do you understand ? You may all go now." The Apsaras bowed to him and departed sullenly. But they would, they decided, patiently wait for the day when they might take revenge on Ahalya. And that day could not be far off, when they had the support of all the goddesses who were also bent on punishing her for no fault of hers. But they realized that nothing could be done except through the instrumentality of Indra. Perhaps Chandra (the Moon) and Manmatha (the God of Love) would help them in persuading Indra to seduce Ahalya.
One night, Indra was relaxing in the Nandanavan, waiting for Sachi Devi to join him. But, instead of her, Chandra arrived and saluting him, said : "My Lord! I have a feeling that you are not yourself these days. Perhaps I am wrong and all is well with you. You may correct me."
"You are right, Chandra. But I do not know the cause of my mental unrest."
"Perhaps I know it. Can it be Ahalya ?"
"I am not sure. But I am fond of her. The more I see her from here”
"The more you desire her ?" "I am not sure. I have great respect for her.”
"You know, respect is much inferior to love, where women are concerned. One cannot therefore pay her a higher tribute than to lavish all one's love on her. Pardon me my impudence. Who knows the ways of women better than my Lord ?”
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