The Slaying of Tataka (Ramayana Series - 3)

<<Ramayana Series 2

On a bright morning, after performing their morning ablutions in the sacred Ganga, Sage Vishwamitra led the princes Rama and Lakshmana to the riverbank. There, they prepared to cross the river on a boat. As they reached the midstream, a deep and resonant sound echoed from the confluence of the waters. Curious, Rama asked the sage about the mysterious sound.

Vishwamitra explained, "O Rama, this sound arises where the Sarayu and Ganga rivers meet. Far to the north, on Mount Kailasa, a lake was born from the will of Lord Brahma himself. This is known as Manasarovar. The waters of Manasarovar flow down and form the Sarayu, which encircles Ayodhya and eventually merges with the Ganga. The union of these two great rivers causes this resounding confluence."

The Slaying of Tataka

Having paid their respects at the holy site where the rivers met, the trio disembarked on the southern bank and entered a deep and fearsome forest. It was dark, impenetrable, and filled with the unsettling sounds of wild animals and shrieking birds. No sign of human life could be seen. Rama, observing the eerie surroundings, said, "O revered sage, what is this terrifying place? The cries of wild animals echo all around, and the trees are dense with bilva, patala, badari, and other wilderness flora."

Vishwamitra replied, "This place was once two prosperous regions named Malada and Karusha. It was abundant with wealth, grain, and human settlements. Long ago, when Indra slew the demon Vritra, he incurred the sin of Brahmahatya. The sages, using sacred waters from the Ganga and other holy rivers, cleansed him of his sin here. Grateful, Indra blessed this land to become fertile and abundant, naming it Malada and Karusha after the impurities and hunger he left behind."

"However," Vishwamitra continued, "with the passage of time, a terrible yakshini named Tataka came to dwell here. She possessed the strength of a thousand elephants, a gift granted to her by Brahma himself. She was the daughter of the yaksha Suketu and the wife of the demon Sunda. Their son, Maricha, inherited his father's demonic nature. When Sunda was killed by the curse of Sage Agastya, Tataka, in a rage, attempted to attack the sage. Agastya, seeing her wrath, cursed her to become a hideous demoness and a devourer of human flesh."

"Since then," he added, "she has terrorized this land. She blocks our path to my hermitage and relentlessly disrupts all sacred rituals. O Rama, for the good of the people and the welfare of the world, it is your duty to destroy this evil creature. Many evil women have been destroyed in the past by great beings like Indra and Vishnu. Do not be swayed by the fact that she is a woman. Her actions have stripped her of all righteousness."

Rama respectfully bowed and replied, "O great sage, your command is my dharma. For the protection of Brahmins, cows, and the general populace, I shall slay Tataka. I am ready to carry out this task without hesitation."

With determination, Rama strung his bow and made a sound so thunderous that it echoed across the forest. The residents of the forest trembled, and Tataka herself was enraged by the noise. She rushed toward the source with fury. Observing her enormous and hideous form, Rama turned to Lakshmana and said, "Brother, behold this terrifying demoness. Although she is wicked, she is still a woman. I shall try to disable her by cutting off her ears and nose, hoping she will retreat."

As Tataka charged, she stirred up a great dust storm, blinding the princes. She then hurled massive boulders at them. Rama responded with a rain of arrows, cutting off her arms. Lakshmana, enraged, sliced off her nose and ears. Despite the pain and disfigurement, Tataka did not retreat. With her magical powers, she vanished and reappeared in many dreadful forms, continuing her assault.

Vishwamitra urged Rama again, "O noble prince, it is time to abandon compassion. This demoness is beyond redemption. She obstructs yajnas and holy practices. Her powers grow at dusk. You must destroy her before nightfall."

With renewed resolve, Rama used his skill of targeting sound to track Tataka in her invisible form. As she rained down stones and illusions, Rama's arrows blocked and countered each attack. Finally, aiming at her heart, Rama released a powerful arrow. The weapon struck true, and Tataka fell to the ground, dead.

The heavens resounded with divine applause. The gods and celestial beings, including Indra, showered praises on Rama for his valor. The forest, once dark and terrifying, felt lighter and purer.

That night, guided by Sage Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana rested peacefully in the now-safe Tataka forest, having accomplished their first divine mission.