Rama Faces the Yakshini Tataka

Follow Rama and Lakshmana's journey with sage Vishwamitra as they cross sacred rivers, encounter mystical forests, and face the terrifying yakshini Tataka in this epic tale. 

The Journey Begins (Shlokas 1.24.1 - 1.24.15)

At dawn, after performing their morning rituals, Rama and Lakshmana followed Vishwamitra to the bank of the river Ganga. High-minded ascetics, strict observers of vows, prepared an auspicious boat for them. They addressed Vishwamitra:

"Great sage, board the boat with the princes ahead of you. Take the safe path without delay."

Vishwamitra agreed, paid respects to the sages, and crossed the river with Rama and Lakshmana. In midstream, the brothers heard a thunderous noise amplified by the river's speed.

Rama asked Vishwamitra, "What is this tumultuous sound bursting from the waters?"

Intrigued, Vishwamitra explained:

"Rama, on Mount Kailasa, Brahma created a lake with his mind, called Manasa Sarovara. From this lake flows the river Sarayu, which surrounds Ayodhya. This sacred river, released from Brahma's lake, creates this great sound as it meets the Ganga. Offer your respectful salutations here with a calm mind."

The brothers paid homage to both rivers. They reached the southern bank and advanced quickly.

Rama, son of King Dasharatha, saw an untrodden, dreadful forest. He asked Vishwamitra:

"This inaccessible forest echoes with ceaseless cricket sounds. It's filled with:

• Frightful beasts and birds making fearful cries

• Prowling lions, tigers, boars, and elephants

• Dense trees such as dhava, ashvakarna, kakubha, bilva, tinduka, patala, and badari

How frightening this forest must be!"

The Tale of Tataka (Shlokas 1.24.16 - 1.24.32)

Vishwamitra, the great sage, addressed Rama:

"Listen, descendant of Kakutstha, about this dreadful forest.

Long ago, two prosperous regions existed here:

• Malada

• Karusha

These were built by celestial architects.

In ancient times, after slaying Vritrasura (a demon), Indra was afflicted by:

1. The sin of killing a Brahmin

2. Impurity

3. Hunger

To cleanse Indra, the gods and sages rich in asceticism:

• Bathed him with consecrated waters from pitchers

• Removed his impurities

• Left his taint and hunger at this place

Cleansed and pure again, Indra blessed the region:

'Having absorbed my body's impurities, let these places be fertile and prosperous. Let them be renowned as Malada and Karusha.'

The gods praised Indra for honoring the land. For a long time, Malada and Karusha flourished with abundant crops and wealth.

Later, a yakshini (female nature spirit) named Tataka appeared. She:

• Could assume any form at will

• Possessed the strength of a thousand elephants

• Was the wife of Sunda

• Had a son named Maricha, a rakshasa (demon) with Indra-like power

Maricha was described as:

• Having strong, round arms

• Highly energetic

• Possessing a large face and huge body

• Gigantic with a dreadful form

Tataka and Maricha regularly terrorized the inhabitants of Malada and Karusha.

Vishwamitra continued, "Tataka lives one and a half yojanas (a unit of distance) from here, obstructing the path. No one traverses this forest due to fear of her.

I order you to slay this wicked Tataka. Use your arm's strength to make this country safe and habitable again. No one else can approach this land ravaged by such a dreadful yakshini.

This fierce forest was ruined by the cruel Tataka, and she hasn't left this place."

Thus ends the twenty fourth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.