RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN CHAPTER 24
TATAKA’S LAIR
The world awoke to a new day. The valiant princes discharged their morning duties. And then they followed their preceptor to the bank of the river. Their saintly hosts had prepared a boat. It was to take them across the river. They said to Visvamitra, “May it please you to get into this along with you disciples. We have delayed you enough. Wish you a happy journey.” Visvamitra saluted them. And he took leave of them very reluctantly. They crossed over to the sacred stream. When they were in the middle of the current, they heard a mighty sound. It was proceeding from the confluence of swift-coursing waters. They asked their teacher about the source of the noise.
Visvmitra replied, “On the heights of Kailash there exists a lake of supreme sanctity. It was brought into existence by an act of will of the four-faced One. So the lake is called Manasa Lake. A stream issues forth from the holy spot. It comes down the heights and falls into the Ganga. It passes by the capital of your father. Hence it is called Sarayu. The sound proceeds from the meeting of its holy waters with the holy Ganga. And you can offer your salutation in to it.”
The princes obeyed him accordingly. And they crossed over to the farther banks. Soon they came upon a frightful forest, devoid of the presence of Brahmanas; at the sight of this, Rama asked Visvamitra, “Holy sir, this wood fills me with curiosity. It resounds with the terrible cries of beasts of prey. The screams of wild birds render everything frightful. At the same time, this forest is pleasant to look at. Countless trees with graceful foliage make it beautiful. Dhava, Asvakarna, kakubha, Bilva, Tinduka, Patala and Badar and many other trees are here.”
Visvamitra said, “Listen to me as I tell you the story of the one who owned this frightful forest. Long ago, here were two kingdoms. They were Malada and Karusa. They were large kingdoms teeming with millions of people. The people were prosperous, happy and fair. They were like the fancy creations of the gods. Once upon a time, Indra slew the Asura Vritra. That sin took shape and entered his system. It entered Indra along with hunger and uncleanliness. Thus it overpowered his divine form and nature. Then the gods and sages purified him. They purified with consecrated waters of holy rivers with powerful Mantras. And his foul uncleanliness fell here. The gods were glad that Indra’s uncleanliness fell away from him. And Indra was overjoyed at the turn of events. He became pure once more. In gratitude, he gave this place a boon. “These two populous provinces have received the foulness of my body. And they shall be celebrated on earth as Malada and Karusa.” The Devas applauded Indra’s act. And for long years thereafter, these places were the homes of happy millions. They lived in plenty. They had everything Man could get from Nature.
“Then a Yaksha woman came on earth. She had the strength of a thousand elephants. She could take any form at will. She was the wife of Sunda. Her name was Tataka. She bore Sunda a son, Maricha. He equalled Indra himself in prowess. He had huge bulk and strong arm. That Rakshasa held the people of these two kingdoms in fear and terror. Tataka amused herself with destroying the innocent inhabitants of these two places. She lives about here. So people steer clear of these parts as the place of great pest. You should slay her with your strong arm, Rama. None dare to enter these places. The dreadful Tataka ranges freely here. Now you know how once a prosperous place has been laid to waste.”
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