Yama, the god of death, stood before his father, the radiant Sun, having been asked to perform a difficult task. With humility and resolve, Yama declared, “This is not a blameworthy act; I shall surely do this. Yet, please do not command me to perform such a cruel deed.” Hearing his son’s words, the Sun replied gently, “O Yama, what act could ever be blameworthy for you? Did you not witness the courtesan, attended by her companions and praised in song, ascend to heaven at once after bathing in the sacred Gautamī river?” The Sun continued, “You have performed severe austerities here, my son, which are most difficult and rare. Yet I see no end to them. Therefore, return to your own city.” Having spoken thus, the blessed Sun, after bathing in those holy waters, ascended to heaven. Yama too, having bathed at the sacred confluence, departed for his own abode. Even the great slayer of beings, seeing Yama depart, cast aside all doubts. He prepared himself for travel, setting his wheel in motion. In the place where the blessed Govinda, adorned with a garland of forest flowers, resides, whoever listens to or recites this account with focused mind will see their calamities destroyed and enjoy long life. Now, O best of sages, listen to the tale of the holy place where Ahalyā’s union occurred—a place so pure that it sanctifies the three worlds. Hear what transpired there. Long ago, out of great curiosity, I, the creator, fashioned many maidens, each endowed with unique forms and virtues. Among them, I crafted one most excellent, marked by auspicious signs—a maiden of beautiful limbs, radiant in form and virtue. As I beheld her, a thought arose: “Who among all beings is worthy of supporting her? Not the demons, nor the gods, nor even the sages.” Reflecting further, I realized that none but a Brahmin, foremost in virtue, rich in austerity and wisdom, could be her support. Thus, I entrusted her to Gautama, the great sage, who bore all auspicious marks and possessed mastery over the Vedas and their branches. I said to him, “O best of sages, protect her until she attains youth. When she comes of age, bring this virtuous maiden back to me.” Having received my command, Gautama, purified by his austerities, took the slender-waisted maiden and departed. He raised her with care and adorned her properly, never wavering in his duty. When she reached young womanhood, he brought Ahalyā back to me. When the gods saw her—Indra, Agni, Varuna, and the rest—they each approached me separately, imploring, “Give her to me, O lord of gods.” Sages, Sādhyas, Dānavas, Yakṣas, and Rākṣasas also gathered, all desiring the maiden. Yet, it was Indra who felt the greatest longing for her. Still, Gautama’s greatness, steadfastness, and depth stood out among all. Remembering this, I was filled with amazement and thought, “This auspicious-faced maiden should be given only to Gautama; she is not suitable for another.” Yet I considered how the resolve and patience of all present had been shaken by this maiden’s beauty. At that time, she was called Ahalyā by the gods, by me, and by the sages. In the presence of all, I proclaimed, “She will be given to the one who first circumambulates the earth—not to another, no matter how many times he tries.” Upon hearing my words, all the hosts of gods set out eagerly to circumambulate the earth for Ahalyā’s sake. When the assembly of gods had departed, Gautama, the lord of sages, also set about his effort to win Ahalyā. At that moment, O Brahman, the wish-fulfilling cow Surabhi was half-delivered. Gautama saw her and, remembering that the earth itself is embodied in Surabhi, he circumambulated her. Then he circumambulated the emblem of the lord of gods, the liṅga. Thus, Gautama completed a single circumambulation for all the gods. No one else was able to complete the circuit of the earth. With this understanding, Gautama approached me. Bowing deeply, he addressed me, “O lotus-seated, soul of the universe, again and again I bow to you. O Brahman, I have circumambulated the entire earth. Whatever is proper in this matter, O lord of gods, you yourself know.” Through the yoga of meditation, I understood Gautama’s act and declared, “This beautiful-browed maiden is given to you; your circumambulation is complete.” Know, O best of sages, that dharma is subtle and difficult to comprehend, even through the Vedas. Surabhi, half-born, is the earth with her seven continents. By circumambulating her, you have indeed encircled the earth; by circumambulating the liṅga, one attains the same fruit. Therefore, O Gautama, steadfast sage, I am pleased with your patience, knowledge, and austerity. This maiden, the best in the worlds, is given to you by me. With these words, I gave Ahalyā to Gautama. When their wedding took place, the gods arrived in due course and beheld the circumambulation. They saw Gautama and Ahalyā united, their joy increased, and the gods marveled at the sight. When the wedding was over, all the gods returned to heaven, and even Indra, lord of Śacī, gazed upon Ahalyā before returning to his celestial abode.