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 Rama Rendered Marecha Insensate but Killed Subahu

Adi Kavi Valmiki's writing style, ingenuity, and foresight

Simplified and faithful rendering of the Adi Kavya-16

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

The Valmiki Ramayana is not just an ancient epic but an eternal guide that bridges centuries of human experience, teaching about duty, values, humility, courage, and compassion. In modern times when distractions and dilemmas weaken our sense of purpose, the story of Rama and Lakshmana inspires us to act with responsibility and awareness, even in unfamiliar situations. This episode reminds us that divine purpose often reveals itself when one walks the path of duty with clarity and commitment.

Spirit of Valmiki Ramayana broadens as the narrative moves from Sarga (Chapter) to Sarga, touching the hearts of humanity across ages. Rama and Lakshmana, aware of the pious responsibility ordained by their father Dasharatha, and guided by Sage Vishvamitra, remained sensitive to time, place, and duty. As Vishvamitra, who by now has ignited the fire, sat before the Altar of Fire, began his sacred ritual, and maintained silence under the vow, Rama and Lakshmana earnestly asked about their roles in guarding the ceremony from the fellow sages. This reflects how true leadership begins not with authority, but with clarity of responsibility and willingness to serve.

All the sages were delighted and instructed Rama and Lakshmana to protect the ritual for six days and nights. Standing vigil by the flaming altar, amidst sacred grass, drink vessels, flowers, and oblation spoons, they remained alert. On the sixth day, as Rama signaled Lakshmana for battle, the fire in the Altar of Fire blazed brightly, illuminating Vishvamitra and the holy surroundings. In life, moments of righteousness often come with trials, demanding vigilance, and inner strength.  

As the Vedic ritual neared completion, a terrifying sound filled the sky. Two monstrous demons, Mareecha and Subahu, along with their demonic forces, appeared, performing fearsome illusions and attempted to defile the sacred altar. Rama quickly observed the desecration caused by their pouring of blood over the sacrificial site and prepared for action. Even today, negativity often disguises itself in chaos, and righteousness demands timely, composed intervention.

Sensing the threat, Rama explained his plan to Lakshmana and unleashed the Manava Astra (Manava Missile) at Mareecha, striking him in the chest. Mareecha, spinning uncontrollably, fell across hundreds of yojanas into the ocean, rendered senseless but alive. Thus, the Manava Missile developed by Manu took him away on baffling, but did not take his life. This act symbolizes control and restraint—teaching that power must serve purpose, not destruction.

Valmiki’s poetic foresight reveals why Mareecha was not killed. He would later play a crucial role in Ravana’s downfall by warning him and eventually, becoming the golden deer at the time of Ravana's abducting Seetha, that leads to important events in the Ramayana. This reminds that every event, even those do not fully understand, may hold deeper purpose in the long journey of life.

Rama then deployed the powerful missile Aagneya Astra (Fire-Missile), to slay Subahu and used the Vayuvya Astra to scatter the remaining demons. Thus, Rama eliminated all of them, who were creating hurdles, to the Vedic rituals. With the ritual protected and completed, Vishvamitra praised Rama for honoring the promises made to his father and to him. Fulfilling commitments, even when challenging, enhances one’s character and earns lasting respect.  

After rejoicing in the successful protection of the ritual, Rama and Lakshmana stayed in that hermitage for that night, and then continued to accompany Vishvamitra. The sages told them about King Janaka’s upcoming important Vedic Ritual in Mithila and spoke of a Great Divine Bow housed there, one unmatched in power and legacy. Opportunities often arise when we walk the path of righteousness, guiding us toward our destined purpose.

The sages explained that Shiva once wielded this mighty and awesome bow, possessing an unimaginable power, which was simply superb, and radiant in wars, to destroy Daksha’s sacrificial assembly. Later, Gods pleased Shiva, obtained this bow from Him, and gifted it to King Devaraata of Mithila. No humans, gods, demons, or celestial beings had ever successfully lifted it. They encouraged Rama to witness it, which many mighty princes were rendered incapable to string its bowstring. This illustrates how certain challenges are not just physical but deeply spiritual, testing inner strength and destiny.

They further described how the bow was worshipped during the Dhanur Utsav, adorned with sandalwood pastes, fragrances, and preserved in Mithila’s Royal Palace. Vishvamitra, Rama, Lakshmana, and the sages embarked on their journey to reach Mithila. Like sacred traditions, our values and heritage too need preservation, respect, and renewed understanding across generations.

Vishvamitra expressed his wish to travel northward toward the Himalayas and near the northern bank of River Ganga, for continuing his renunciation. The sages and the spiritual community followed with carts carrying ritual materials. Even the creatures of the Hermitage of Accomplishment, accompanied them. Great journeys are seldom solitary. They are strengthened by shared purpose and collective spirit.

On reaching the banks of the River Sona, and while camping there, Rama asked about the attractive, flourishing well-developed woodlands. Vishvamitra narrated that it once belonged to Sage-King Kusha, son of Brahma, whose four virtuous sons through his wife the Princess of Vidarbha, namely, Kushambha, Kushanabha, Asurtarajasa (Or Adhoortarajasa), and Vasu, established great cities. This they did in response to the advice of their father Kusha to establish their rulership and achieve righteousness plentifully in order to uphold the values of Kshatriyas. Legacy is not just inherited; it is built, expanded, and sustained through wisdom and responsibility.

Vishvamitra explained that Kushambha built the City Kaushambhi, Kushanabha built Mahodaya, Asurtarajasa built Dharmaranya, and Vasu built the City Girivraja. He said that the region where they were, was known as the land of Vasu, surrounded by five majestic mountains, and fed by the Charming River Maagadhi, nurturing fertile fields along its path. Just as rivers nourish land, knowledge and culture nourish societies over time.  

Kushanabha fathered a hundred beautiful daughters with the celestial maiden Ghrutachi. When they attained youth, and as they joyfully roamed the gardens, singing, dancing, and playing, the Air-God Vayu approached them with an enticing offer of immortality. He told them to become his wives by which they will achieve undiminished youth forever instead of transitory teenage for humans. Temptations often come disguised as gifts, testing our values and self-discipline.

The noble one hundred daughters firmly declined Vayu’s offer, stating their loyalty to their father and commitment to righteousness. They also told him that, he was dishonoring them, for which despite their capability of displacing him from his realm, being the daughters of Kushanabha, they were restraining themselves in doing so, only to conserve their ascetic values. Thus, despite their strength, they chose restraint over revenge. They made it clear that, whomever they were offered by their father in marriage he alone becomes their husband. True strength lies not in retaliation, but in wisdom, dignity, and adherence to values.

Angered, Vayu the Air-God, entered into all of the limbs of the daughters and disfigured them. Tearful and embarrassed, they returned to their father, who grieved at their condition and enquired about the cause. Sage Vishvamitra continued his narration. Hardships sometimes strike even the virtuous, but virtue ensures dignity even amid suffering.

All the daughters touched their father’s feet with their foreheads and narrated their ordeal. Kushanabha, despite his sorrow, praised their patience, composure, and adherence to family honor. He reminded them that grace, forgiveness, and virtue sustain the very foundation of the universe. Kushanabha told them that, ‘Grace is altruism, Grace is ritualism, grace is glory, and grace is virtue. Such teachings remain timeless in a world that often rewards aggression over grace.

Vishvamitra continued his narration and said that, the king began contemplating their wellbeing, marriage prospects, and future alliances, thinking wisely about their restoration and dignity. Thoughtful planning for one's family is also an act of duty and love, rooted in dharma. Meanwhile, Kushanabha learned about the great sage Chooli, devoted to spiritual discipline. Chooli being auspicious in his conduct, capable of holding his semen upward (URTHWA RETASKA), achieved high ascetic practice in according with Vedic canons. A celestial maiden, Somada, humbly served him. When he offered to grant her a boon, she wished for a son embodying Vedic spirituality and righteousness. This reflects how true service, when rooted in sincerity, invites divine grace and fulfillment.

Brahmarshi Chooli benignantly bestowed her with a unique and Brahma Like son, to be known as Brahmadatta, as his brainchild. Brahmadatta became a noble king of Kampilya. Kushanabha, recognizing his worth, arranged the marriage of his hundred daughters to Brahmadatta. Wisdom lies in choosing character over appearance or status while forming bonds and relationships.  

With a gentle touch of Brahmadatta, the daughters regained their original beauty and joy. Kushanabha rejoiced. After marriage, Brahmadatta along with his own hundred wives, left for his kingdom. His mother Somada lovingly welcomed them as daughters-in-law. Blessings, grace, and harmony prevailed. Healing is not just physical, but it is also emotional, relational, and spiritual when anchored in righteousness and love.  

Thus, this episode of the Ramayana teaches us that righteousness (dharma) is not merely about fighting evil, but it is about patience, responsibility, respectful relationships, and inner strength. In today’s fast-paced world, Rama’s clarity, Lakshmana’s devotion, Vishvamitra’s guidance, and the moral strength of Kushanabha’s daughters show that, duty, dignity, and compassion remain forever relevant. This is why the Ramayana is not a tale of the past, but a timeless guiding light for humanity.

(PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY RAMA BHAKTA  VIJAYA RAGHAVA DASU)