RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN --CHAPTER 26

                                                 RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN –CHAPTER 26

                                                                 THE FALL OF TATAKA

Rama’s preceptor Visvamitra’s words were soul-stirring. But Rama was steadfast in his principles of conduct. He gave a just reply to Visvamitra with joined palms: “Both my father’s command and your words, sir, impel me to follow without any hesitation. I have been enjoined to that in the presence of royal sages in the court. I shall never falsify his words. Here I am to carry out your orders!”

So saying, Rama grasped his mighty bow. He strung the bow. And he drew it to his ear. The sound that action produced was terrible to hear. It echoed far and near. Birds and beasts trembled in fright. Tataka was at first confused. But boundless rage mastered her. She rushed to the spot where from the sound came. She came to them with an open mouth that looked like a mountain. Rama said, “My brother! That Yakshin is not a pleasant sight. Timid ones will die of terror. She is endowed with the powers of illusion. She is formidable to stand against. My arrows shall compel her to return back as fast as she came. But she will lose her nose and ears. Anyhow, I cannot bring myself to slay her. For her womanhood stays my arm. I shall be happy if I just deprive her of her energy and power of motion.”

Now Tataka came at Rama with a howl of rage. Visvamitra stayed her with the word, “Hum”. He prayed that the brothers may come out safe. She raised a huge cloud of dust. It shut out the princes for a time. She then showered rocks and stones at the brothers. Then Rama’s ire was up. He scattered the rocks by a flight of arrows. He cut off her hands as she sprang at him. Yet she did not stay. But she roared frightfully. Lakshmana chopped off her nose and ears. The next moment she assumed a thousand forms. She was here there and everywhere. Then Visvamitra shouted, “Your misplaced tenderness may be put aside. Are you not yet convinced that she is a she-devil? She has destroyed the sacrifice of many sages. Twilight is drawing fast. Then these foul things are very powerful. They become almost invincible. Her energy increases as the day wanes. Slay her outright and don’t delay.”

With her powers of illusion, she remained invisible. But Rama’s shafts sought her out. And they stayed her rocky downpour. Then, in despair, she rushed at the brothers. She did so with baffled rage. This was when the boy-hero shot at her a Fiery Shaft. It was fierce as the thunderbolt. It struck her full on her chest. She fell down and gave up her life.

Indra and other celestials were watching the proceedings. They shouted with joy. “Bravo! Bravo! well done!” they cried. They lauded Rama to the skies. Then they spoke to Visvamitra, “Holy One! All hail to you. You have laid us under a deep obligation. Give Rama the Science of divine weapon. They are never failing weapons. They were created by long Tapas. Rama is a fitter recipient. He is very devoted to your service. They are very necessary for him to accomplish the thing we have in mind. So don’t delay anymore.” They gave a loving salutation to the sage. And they heartily blessed the boy-heroes. Then they departed.

Meanwhile, the night came. Visvamitra was very happy. He said to him, “We rest here for the night and reach my hermitage tomorrow.” So they passed the night the haunts of the deceased Tataka. But the land was now freed from the curse. It looked beautiful as Chaitraratha. Rama thus freed the earth from the Yakshayini; gods and sages praised his glory. A deep sleep descended upon Rama’s tired eyes. He lay locked in the soft arms of slumber. The holy sage roused him in the early morning.