Rama, the vanquisher of Tataka

Ramayana an epical depiction-8

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

Millennium Post, New Delhi (23-02-2020)

            Tataka is with a malicious valor. She is atrocious one. Such a cruel person could be eliminated only by a person of your resolute gallantry and excepting you there is none in the three worlds who are capable to do so. Don’t feel embarrassed to kill a woman. Let there be no compassion with respect to her. A king has the responsibility to safeguard and protect all four categories of populace in the society. Being capable to do so if you fail in your responsibility it amounts to a sin equivalent to killing a Brahmin and a cow. Since you are a prince you need to protect people. Don’t think anymore and kill her at once”.         

  

Rama killed Tataka

            On hearing the words of Sage Vishvamitra about his duty to kill Tataka, Rama recalled his father’s directions to him, that he shall do all that the sage tells him. Father’s dictate is ultimate and cannot be disregarded under any circumstances, thought Rama. On deciding so Rama on greeting Vishvamitra told him “I shall eliminate Tataka to protect people, cows and Brahmins”. Saying like this, Rama got ready with his bow and arrow making a thunderous sound by pulling the bow string. Enraged with the sound Tataka vindictively rushed to the place by the direction of the sound. As soon as she arrived, she attempted to pounce on Rama, swinging her arms, with her frightening physique. Tataka started pouring huge mass of dirt and flooded with heavy stones making Rama furious. He then damaged and cut both the arms of Tataka with his arrows. Lakshmana cut her ears and nose. Undaunted, Tataka continued her attack with more vigor and magical powers. Then Rama struck an arrow in her chest with which she fell down like thunderbolt and dead. Indra and other gods admired Rama for his gallantry. Delighted Vishvamitra kissed on the forehead of Rama and said that, since it was already dusk, they would rest for the night and the next day morning will go to his hermitage which is nearby. Rama with Lakshmana stayed accordingly that night, the third one during their journey.

Vishvamitra gave many a

hymn supported weapons to Rama

            On staying that night in the Tataka forest next day morning Vishvamitra woke up Rama and Lakshmana as usual. Seeing Rama said Vishvamitra that having please with him he would now give all the heavenly weaponries to him. Vishvamitra described about each and every bit of them. He said that anyone in the war could be easily won over with these weaponries. Vishvamitra said that those weaponries are dexterous and significantly powered. Vishvamitra on performing his morning routine worships gave Rama the collection of extraordinary hymns along with weaponries. Collection of such a huge weaponry supported by hymns is next to impossible even to renowned Gods which are now dedicated to Rama by Vishvamitra. The moment Vishvamitra dedicated them to Rama, they became accessible to Rama in their cosmological form and told Rama that they will be with him to accomplish whatever and whenever he ordains. Rama said that he will retrieve as and when he needs them and for the time being, they may leave and come back when needed. They did accordingly. Later, with an obliged heart Rama got ready to take further journey with sage Vishvamitra. On the way as usual he was getting his doubts cleared from Vishvamitra.

Vishvamitra bestows weaponry

withdrawal powers to Rama

            While on their further journey, Rama, thanking Vishvamitra for giving such a weaponry which are unassailable even for Gods, desired to know their usage process and also how they can be withdrawn when not required. Vishvamitra not only gave all those details but also bestowed on Rama the knowledge of withdrawal of the weaponry which were ecstatically divine bodies, pleasing and giving enjoyment. They all with folded arms the weaponry said that they are there to do anything for Rama. Then replied Rama that, while remaining in his memory they should assist him as and when needed and till then they may go away as per their wish. They all after worshiping Rama left the place to come back again when needed.

            Later Sri Rama showing the place where they reached asked Vishvamitra “Sage! What is this charming pleasant place with animals spreading all over fearlessly and magnified with innumerable kinds of birds? It looks like that we are out from the alarming Tataka forest now. What is the reason for this? Whose hermitage is this? Where are those ghastly butchers of Brahmins? Where is the place that you want to perform the ritual? From where those evil-minded monsters will reach here? How can I be able to safeguard your ritual?”. Then Vishvamitra detailed about the Siddha Hermitage.