________________
96
Tales from Indian Mythology and beasts amorously beckoned to their mates, who had been late in homecoming.
Exactly at midnight a cock crowed and at once there was a flutter among the birds which began to fly hither and thither. A strange, sinister orange glow seemed to emerge from the eastern horizon. The moon was fading, the flowers were joyously quivering and there was a rude, restless rustle in the foliage and a cool, crisp twang in the air. Gautama's sleep was disturbed. He sat up and, rubbing his eyes, searched for his kamandal. He would now get ready for his morning meditation. Meanwhile Ahalya also woke up and was surprised to learn that their day had already begun. "You are not feeling well," he pleaded with her. "Please stay in bed till I return from the river. Then I shall assist you in your ablutions before I sit for my prayer.” She agreed and, stroking her gently on the head, he left for the river.
Indra was already at the ashram door, but he was invisible. The moment Gautama disappeared in the grey haze of the deceptive dawn, the King of the Gods assumed the form of the venerable sage and stepped in. He quietly slipped into Ahalya's bed and embraced her, while she was still asleep. Suddenly she turned round and opened her eyes. She coyly smiled, closed her eyes again and surrendered herself to him, drowsily muttering thus: "I am glad you are back so soon. It is just midnight now, I think, and we can still sleep for another four hours at least."
In the meantime, Gautama, having finished with his bath, was preparing himself to say his prayers to the Sun God. He selected a clean, quiet spot on the river-bed, sprinkled sacred
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
