Skip to content
Gautama

Gautama: FAQ & Sources

गौतम

Sage.

Gautama is the sage who cursed his wife Ahalya after Indra seduced her in his form. When Rama frees Ahalya near Mithila, Gautama returns and the couple are reunited.

Updated 30 Oct 20262 sources

RoleSage
ConsortAhalya
ChildrenShatananda
Appears inRamayana
GroupRishis and sages
KingdomRishi ashrams

Frequently asked questions

Why did Gautama curse Ahalya?
Because Indra came to her in Gautama's form and she did not refuse him.
Who was Gautama's son?
Shatananda, the royal priest of King Janaka.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (sargas 1.48, 1.49)
  2. Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda (sargas 7.30)

Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.