Rama and Lakshmana Face Tataka's Wrath
Balakanda - Sarga 26
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Balakanda - Sarga 26
Rama's epic battle with the demon Tataka unfolds as he follows sage Viswamitra's command. Witness divine intervention and celestial praise in this heroic tale.
After hearing sage Viswamitra's command, Rama, son of King Dasharatha, replied with folded hands:
"I will carry out your instructions without hesitation, as I must fulfill my father's orders and honor his words. In Ayodhya, before the elders, my father commanded me to follow your instructions. I cannot disobey him.
I am ready to act for the benefit of cows and Brahmins (priests), for this country's well-being, and to execute your orders, O sage of immeasurable power."
Rama, the vanquisher of foes, then grasped his bow. He released a powerful twang that echoed through all directions. The sound terrified the creatures in Tataka's forest. Tataka herself, both amazed and enraged, rushed towards the sound's source.
Seeing Tataka's massive, disfigured form, Rama spoke to Lakshmana:
"Look at this yakshini's (female nature spirit) frightful, misshapen body. Her mere appearance would terrify the faint-hearted.
She's formidable due to her magical powers. I'll cut off her ears and nose to force her retreat. Because she's a woman, I'm reluctant to kill her. Instead, I'll destroy her strength and mobility."
As Rama spoke, Tataka charged at him, roaring with upraised arms. Sage Viswamitra uttered a menacing sound to intimidate her, blessing Rama and Lakshmana with victory.
Tataka created a dense dust cloud, briefly confusing the brothers.
Using her powers, Tataka rained boulders on Rama and Lakshmana. Angered, Rama countered with a volley of arrows, severing her hands as she advanced.
Despite losing her hands, Tataka continued to roar nearby. Lakshmana, filled with anger, cut off her ears and nose.
The yakshini, able to change form at will, vanished. She then took various shapes, hurling rocks while moving erratically. Seeing the brothers bombarded from all sides, Viswamitra spoke.
Viswamitra said to Rama:
"Show no more mercy, Rama. This evil yakshini (female nature spirit) disrupts sacred rites. She may regain power through magic.
Kill her now, before twilight. Rakshasas (demons) become unbeatable at dusk."
Rama, following these words, showcased his skill in targeting by sound. He fired arrows at Tataka, who continued hurling stones.
Tataka, though blocked by arrows, still had her magical strength. She charged at Rama and Lakshmana, roaring loudly.
Rama pierced her chest with an arrow as she rushed forward like lightning. Tataka fell and died.
Indra (king of the gods) and other celestials saw the fearsome Tataka slain. They praised Rama, saying, "Well done!"
Indra, greatly pleased, addressed Viswamitra. All the gods, including the Maruts (wind gods), said to the sage:
"Ascetic Kausika (Viswamitra), may you thrive. We all rejoice in Rama's deed. Show him your affection.
Brahmarshi (sage of highest spiritual knowledge), give Rama the weapons of Prajapati Brishasva's sons. These are empowered by truth and ascetic energy.
This prince, loyal in following you, is worthy. He must perform great tasks for us celestials."
After this, the joyful gods honored Viswamitra and left. Dusk began to fall.
Happy with Tataka's defeat, Viswamitra kissed Rama's forehead and said:
"Rama, we'll stay here tonight. At dawn, we'll go to my hermitage."
Rama gladly agreed. They rested well in Tataka's forest that night.
From that day, the forest, now free from its curse, became as beautiful as Chitraratha (Kubera's garden).
Rama, having killed the yaksha's daughter, received praise from gods and siddhas (accomplished beings). He stayed in the forest with Viswamitra, waking at first light.
Thus ends the twenty sixth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.