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This was a rather preposterous thing to do. Because if the rishi would come to know of her real nature and purpose he was bound to curse her-even burn her on the spot. But Jatika was so confident of her abilities that she accepted the task. One day while the rishi was engrossed in meditation, this Jat1ka approached him in the form of Ahalya. The lady had just taken her bath, was looking very charming and attractive. Gautama glanced towards her and was taken aback to find the invitation that her eyes conveyed. It was most unusual for such a pious lady, for one who knew well what her husband was striving after : this behaviour was quite extraordinary. How could she allow passion to over power her common sense?
For a moment the rishi felt that passion and lust were overcoming his determination. But he brought himself under control and the very unusual ness of the wife’s behaviour made him think twice. He had resort to his supernatural powers- divyadrishti-and came to know that it was Jatika and not Ahalya that was enticing him. He was very angry with her and cursed her that she would be transformed into a river. Jatika prayed that she be excused and then Gautama slightly modified the curse. She would merge with Ganga when the latter would come down on the earth. In this manner Gautama’s tapa proceeded.
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