RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 25
TATAKA
Rama replied to his master, “I have heard that the Yakshas are nor very formidable. How is it a Yaksha woman is gifted with such power?”
“This weak and fragile woman,” said Visvamitra, “is gifted with abnormal power by virtue of a boon. Long ago there was a Yaksha. His name was Suketu. He was a man of righteous deeds and great prowess. He was not blessed with any child. He prayed Brahma to get one. Brahma was pleased with his tapas (austerities). He gave Suketu a lovely daughter. That daughter was Tataka. She was blessed with the strength of a thousand elephant. She came of age. Then he gave her as wife to Sunda, son of Jarjha. Maricha was born to the couple. He was later cursed to become a Rakshasa. Sunda met his end at the hands of Agastya. Tataka and her son attacked Agastya and tried to eat him. Agastya cursed the wretches to become ugly and Rakshsas. The curse also meant that they should roam the earth, eating human flesh.”
Tataka was maddened with the curse. She takes revenge by laying waste the favourite haunts of Agastya. And Rama I want you to slay this wicked Yakshni. She uses her terrible strength to such evil purpose. She glories in the might of her boon. Except you nobody could bring her down. You need not pity her. You belong to the line of Kings; so, you are duty-bound to kill her and save millions of people. A king has to discharge his duties; they may be cruel or otherwise, righteous or unrighteous. He should save the people. you bear the responsibility of empire. Slay this unrighteous one. For no law restrains her actions. Manthara was the daughter of Virochana. Indra slew her. Because she sought to plunge the whole world in ruin. Vishnu destroyed the wife of Bhrigu and the mother of Sukra. Because she tried to wipe out Indra. Kings have always destroyed such wicked beings to safeguard the world. so, Rama! You should cleave the heart of this woman. For that you should steel your heart against tender emotions.”
No comments:
Post a Comment