Tales In the Custody of Visvamitra - Part 1 - Journey, Slaying of Tataka, Gift of Weapons

           We had seen the introduction of Sage Visvamitra into the journey of Rama - his arrival into Ayodhya, deliberations with King Dasaratha, accompanying Rama and Lakshmana to ward off evil forces obstructing his oblations. The brothers Rama and Lakshmana who are in the comforts of the home till the time, gets along with Visvamitra into the outer world for the first time. The Sage is more than the required master to teach the princess about everything to prepare for what is plying out in their future. Having initially armed them with the mantras to protect them in this journey and after, he already had the impression of a Guru upon them. Let us continue to look at the patronage of the Sage and further story.

               With Visvamitra's caring ministrations, Rama and Lakshamana spent a comfortable night sleeping in the open on a bed of grass, on the banks of Sarayu. It was the most glorious of time, at dawn before the Sun rose in the sky. There was a gentle breeze, and the air was cool and comfortable for the late-risers to cover themselves more tightly in their happy slumber, especially at the fag-end of their sleep. Sage Viswamitra and the two princes, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, who were never used to sleep on river banks in the open, were still sleeping after keeping awake for quite a long time in the night, hearing many stories from the glorious Sage. On getting up from the bed of ‘Darbha Grass’, Sage Visvamitra looked at Rama and Lakshmana affectionately, and woke up Rama with these endearing words:

“Kousalya supraja Rama, Poorva sandhya pravartate.

Uthishta Narasardoola, karthavyam Deivamahnikam.”

            "O the worthy son of Kousalya, the Dawn ‘sandhya’ (twilight) time is on. Therefore, get up, O tiger among men! You have to do your morning worship.” This particular verse has now become famous among the devotees, as it has been incorporated as the very first verse of ‘Sree Venkatesa Suprabhatam’ and chanted in many households and temples in the early hours of the mornings. Hearing the exceedingly mild admonition of the renowned Sage, Rama and Lakshmana performed their ablutions at the confluence of River Sarayu and the Ganga. After giving oblations of water to the Sun-God, they chanted mentally the most sacred text, the ‘Gayatri,’ that being the highest of all ‘Japas.’

                They continued the journey and soon arrived at the confluence of the holy rivers Sarayu and Ganga, which then divided into three paths. Here they came upon the sacred hermitage of Anchorites, who had after observing the most awesome of austerities for many thousands of years had become the supreme possessors of vital powers. They were curious to know about the holy site of hermitages of ‘Rishis’ of purified mind, that had been practicing the highest form of asceticism for the past many thousands of years. Rama addressed Viswamitra, “Whose holy hermitage is this? Who lives there now?” Sage Viswamitra replied: “This is the famous ‘Kaamasrama’. This is the place where Lord Siva was doing long austerities. The Devas were very worried about it because they wanted Siva to marry Parvati, the daughter of Himavan; Parvaty was also doing penance separately for getting Siva as her husband. The Devas wanted Siva to marry soon, because an Asura (demon) named Tharaka was harassing them, and he could be killed only by a son born to Siva. Due to his anxiety to get Siva marry and beget a son, Lord Indra sent Kaama Deva, the God of Love (equal to Eros, Cupid, Manmatha) to disturb the penance of Siva to facilitate his marriage with Parvati and get a son to kill Tharakasura. The God of Love, armed with a bow of sugarcane, with a bowstring of bees in line, and with arrows tipped with distinct flowers, created a spring season in this hermitage. Disturbed by Kaamadeva, Lord Siva became angry and opened his third eye, and burnt the body of Kaamadeva and made him ‘Ananga’ (without body).This is the place where Kaamadeva was burnt, and so it is known as Kaamasrama. [This place that burnt the body (‘Anga’) of Kaamadeva later on, came to be known as ‘Anga’desa.]

              While Visvamitra was conversing with Rama and Lakshmana the holy men of that hallowed sanctuary sensed their presence. With their all-pervading spiritual vision reaching beyond the veil of time, they recognized their noble guests. Immensely pleased, they respectfully offered them water to wash their feet. Hospitality was extended first to Visvamitra and thereafter to Rama and Lakshamana whose grace and reverence pleased the noble souls. At dusk, the hermitage reverberated with Vedic chants. In that famed hermitage, where Kama was destroyed, the three travelers spent the night while Visvamitra regaled the princes with enchanting tales.

              At daybreak having performed the morning rituals Rama and Lakshmana arrived on the banks of Ganga preceded by Visvamithra. The noble hermits of the Kama hermitage procured a boat for their honored guests, wished them a safe journey, and bade them farewell with their blessings. Paying respectful homage to the pious hosts Visvamitra along with the young Ikshvakus crossed the gushing Ganga. As the boat reached mid-stream, Rama and Lakshmana heard a deafening noise and when Rama asked Visvamitra about it, he said, "In the mind of Brahma was born a vision, which manifested itself on mount Kailas as a lake. It was conceived in the intellect of Brahma it came to be known as Manasa sarovar. The river Sarayu flows from Manasa and the great noise that you hear emanates from the turbulence of its waters. The roar of the bounding flow reaches a crescendo when its waters clash with those of the Ganga, at the confluence of the two mighty rivers. Do pay homage to these two holy rivers". Rama and Lakshmana did so and then reached the southern bank of the river. Marching forward at a brisk pace they soon came upon the most fearsome of forests. Trackless and dense it showed no signs of any human having ever ventured into it. Filled with beasts and birds of prey swarming with insects shrill with the incessant call of crickets and the shrieking of vultures, the forest was a cacophony of multitude sounds. The wooded canopy thick and dark was made up of Bilva, Asvakarna, Kabuka, Tinduka and Patella under which lions, tigers, boars and elephants roamed.

              "What forbidding forest is this?" Asked Rama and Visvamitra said, "Long ago this land flourished as Malada and Karasu. Abounding in wealth and grain it was built by divine beings. At that period of time Indra killed Vritrasura. Doomed and overpowered by the sin of slaying a Brahmin, Indra was cursed with impurity and endless hunger. Taking pity on his plight, the devas aided by the spiritual and ascetic powers of heavenly sages cleansed him of that transgression. The impurity and taint shed by Indra was deposited at this spot. Purified and freed of his monstrous hunger Indra bestowed a wonderful boon on the land for having absorbed his taint to absolve him of his sin. By the power of the boon Malada and Karusa became flourishing cities of great renown. As the years went, they became increasingly prosperous. Blessed with riches and plentiful grain, there was no dearth of anything in the land. Several years later a yakshni called Tataka arrived upon that affluence in the form of fear and destruction. With the strength of a thousand elephants and capable of taking any form at will the ignoble Tataka was the wife of an intelligent yaksha by name Sunda. Her son Maricha was gigantic, and his powers matched to those of Indra. The wicked mother and the son struck terror and wrought havoc on Malada and Karusa. It is here that the yakshini dwells, infesting the forest and obstructing free passage. None can traverse it as she hungers for human flesh. Repulsive, unconquerable, and revolting of form, she strikes fear in the hearts of all living beings and also reigns supreme rendering in this region devoid of all human life. O! Rama, slay Tataka with the might of your arms and rid the forest of her diabolic presence. Freed of evil, the land will once again become habitable".

               Rama having heard Visvamitra asked him another question,"The yakshas are said to be gracious and mild. How did this yaksha woman come to possess the might of a thousand elephants?" The sage said, "Tataka by virtue of a boon acquired phenomenal strength. In the days gone by, there lived a powerful and famed yaksha, by name Suketu who performed great austerities for begetting a son. Prajapati did not grant Sukethu a son but gave him a daughter upon whom he also bestowed the strength of a thousand elephants. Born by the boon of the Lord Creator, Tataka grew to be ravishingly beautiful and was given in marriage to Sunda, son of Jharjha.

                To this charming couple was born a son strong and invincible. Though born of yaksha parentage, he was cursed to become a rakshasa. Later when Agastya killed Sunda. Enraged, Tataka went on a rampage and she along with her son Maricha rushed forth with the intent ofon devouring the sage. Agastya the most powerful of ascetics cursed Maricha and denounced Tataka saying, "From now on you will take the hideous form of a rakshasa woman and losing all beauty, will live on human flesh". Provoked and fuming Tataka exploded into a violent senseless anger. Wrecking vengeance on the sacred land hitherto tread upon and sanctified by the holy feet of Agastya, she rendered it unfit and unworthy of all human habitation. "Rama, you alone can end Tataka's reign of terror. Diabolic of nature, maligned by the curse she is a threat to this very earth.Kill her for the welfare of the Brahmins and the cows. You need not show her either pity or compassion that is usually shown to a woman. It is the duty of a king, to do so in the interest and safety of his subjects. To this end you should not differentiate between man and woman. To protect his people the king should discharge his duty towards an act whether it is cruel or compassionate, sinful or honorable. It is an eternal law which binds those in power, appointed to bear the burden of the kingdom. Rama! Slay her for she does not abide by dharma. Destroy her like Indra destroyed Manthara, the daughter of Virochana, who wanted to annihilate the earth. Many divine persons and eminent men of great honor and valor have slain unrighteous women for the sake of dharma".

                Rama bowing to Visvamitra with great reverence said, "In Ayodhya, my father Dasaratha commanded me in the presence of the eminent to carry out every wish of yours, without hesitation. Out of respect for his father's words and your wishes I will execute that act of dharma, for the welfare of not only the cows and Brahmins, but also for the prosperity of the country. I stand ready to do as you bid and take upon myself the task of eliminating the menace of Tataka". Rama then held his bow and twanged at the string, sending out a fearful sound, which reverberated in all the four directions even as the dwellers of forest trembled with fear. Tataka unaware and confused at what could have caused the thunderous sound ran out in a great fury.

               Wrathful and ugly, Tataka came bounding striking terror into the hearts of the not so brave. Seeing her, Rama said to Lakshmana, "She looks invincible, and she possesses magical powers. I am going to disfigure her by cutting her nose and ears for I am averse to killing a woman. I will also deprive her of her strength and her power of motion by doing away with her limbs. The infuriated monster charged forward generating a fierce dust storm which dismayed Rama and Lakshmana for a moment. Tataka then rained on the Ikshvaku princes who in anger retaliated that rain of rocks with a rain of arrows and cut off the hands of the demon as she was advancing. Deprived of her limbs, worn out, roaring with anger and writhing in pain, Tataka then lost her ears and nose to the wrath of Lakshamana. Then using her magical powers, she vanished from sight but did not stop from sending another torrent of rocks as a parting shot. Seeing Rama and Lakshmana hit by the rocks Visvamitra spoke up, "She does not deserve any more mercy. This yakshini who is sinful and wicked deserves death. She will regain her strength soon, so slay her before dusk, for after the Sun sets the rakshasas become invincible". Rama marching forward detracted the raining rocks with his arrows, which were capable of detecting and traveling in the direction of sound.

              Frustrated that her being invisible proved futile, Tataka hurled herself at Rama, who swift as lightening shot her in the chest with an arrow and she fell lifeless. Seeing the mountainous heap of matter, as frightening in death as in life, the lord of the gods and the gods themselves honored Rama and commended his valor. Indra blessed Visvamitra with prosperity and fame for having gratified the devas by encouraging Rama to annihilate the fearful yakshini. He also wanted Visvamitra to reward Rama with the astras of Bhrisasvas the two weapons endowed with ascetic power and energy. "Rama alone is worthy of them. He alone can use them to ward off many such evils to come and protect the celestials", said Indra. Devatas and siddhas praised Rama for killing Tataka. Liberated from the curse of Tataka and her dreaded presence the forest regained its radiant charm and came to be as splendid as that of Kubera's Chitraratha. Visvamitra happy at the death of Tataka, fondly kissed Rama on the forehead saying that they should all rest for the night and journey on to his hermitage on the morrow. Rama retired for the night and woke up at dawn to the call of Visvamitra.

                At daybreak, smiling with affection Visvamitra said "Rama, I am pleased and proud of the good you have done to this earth by slaying Tataka. Fulfilled and happy, I bequeath the wealth of weapons to you with love. With these you will be victorious not only against devas and rakshasas, but also against the gandharvas, nagas, uragas and all others, of whom you will be the master." Starting with the celestial Danda, Dharma, Kala and, Visnu chakras the Vajra astras, the prestigious spear of Siva, Brahmashivaastra, the Aishikaastra and the mightiest of all, the Brahmastra; the two brilliant maces, Modaki and Shikari along with Dharmapasa and Kalapasa shall be yours. The sage gave away these and many mightier and more exalted astras. Visvamitra having purified himself stood facing east, while he conferred the astras on Rama. He taught Rama the complete acquisition and the incantations to evoke those weapons, difficult to attain even by the celestials. Evoked by Visvamitra, the presiding deities of the weapons manifested themselves into Rama's presence saying, "We are your servants ". Receiving the astras, Rama touched the astra devatas with his hand, as a token of acceptance and wished them to come, whenever he invoked them. Pleased and fulfilled he paid respectful homage to the noble sage Visvamitra.

                This concludes the chapters 23,24,25,26 and 27 of Balakanda. Here, we learnt about the famous verse which finds itself in Suprabhatam, Kamasrama, Story of Tataka, Rama slaying Tataka and an army of weapons given to Rama. We had seen for the first time how a young Rama slayed an evil woman and purified the place. This becomes the starting point for his many a future slayings with the aid of ascetic powers conferred upon him and the weapons in his possession gifted by many seers. Let us see the further tales under the custody of Sage Visvamitra in the future posts.

Rama in His Early Days and Arrival of Sage Visvamitra

              We came to know the tale behind the moment Rama was born as the eldest son of Dasaratha to continue his dynasty and rid the world of the evil Ravana. The birth of a supreme personality needs some reason and backdrop to herald their being in all glory in the world. Whenever evil spirits rise in the world, a Rama will be born to subdue them – this is one lesson to remember and strongly believe. The evil spirits are within all of us and they ruling the roost requires a good, virtuous force to nullify them. The birth of Rama is the beginning of a new dawn to herald a supreme reign and annihilation of evil in the world. While we continue to reminisce Rama through this delightful story, let us hope the evils within us are conquered. Let us spread the goodness and virtues laid out by the Lord in any little way possible and pledge to defeat evil – both outward and inward. That will herald His rule and presence in the world. There is little doubt that as we are studying Ramayana, the ‘ism’ of Rama has already started to spread amongst us. With that, let us continue to look at the detailed account and usher the aura of Rama.

            This follows the naming ceremony of the four princes after their birth. Like the Moon, Rama was the darling of all, including the King. The princes were trained in the Vedas, Vedangas, Dhanurveda, and art of using all weapons of warfare. The princes respected the elders and were very righteous and truthful. Lakshmana, who loved Rama more than his own life followed him like his own shadow. Rama too reciprocated his brother's love. He could neither eat nor sleep without Lakshmana, who followed his brother with a ready bow and arrow to ward off any danger that might ensue. Bharata and Satrughna also had a strong bond between them; Though Dasaratha took great pride in them, the princes never took advantage of his affection, but were ever humble. They were always ready to serve him with love and reverence.

            King Dasaratha was extremely delighted with his growing sons, when they got enriched with wisdom and adorned with virtues, as they grew up with all branches of knowledge. They were modest, glorious, knowledgeable and far-sighted. They were attached to Vedic studies, and devoted to the service of their parents, and were equally well-versed in the science of archery. As their studies were nearing completion, King Dasaratha discussed with his family priests and relations about the marriage of his sons.

             At the same time, Sage Viswamitra arrived at his palace and spoke to the gate-keepers: “Speak to the King about me, the sage Viswamitra, belonging to the Kusa line, the son of Gadhi, having arrived at the palace.”The King suddenly sprang up from his throne and went to receive the awe-inspiring Sage, noted for his terrible ‘tapas’ and great spiritual powers. The Sage was received with the customary rituals of ‘paadya’ and ‘arghya’. The Sage also talked to Vasishta and other ‘Rishis’. Thereafter he was invited to the royal durbar, with great humility and reverence. King Dasaratha considered himself very blessed to have Viswamitra with him at a time when he was at the peak of his measure of happiness.  He spoke: “I consider your advent like ‘Amruta’ (nectar) in one’s hands, like rainfall in a waterless area, as the actual birth of a son to one pining for a child, or the recovery of a treasury irretrievably lost, or joy preceding a festive occasion. O Sage! Your austerities have raised your status from a Rajarishi to a Brahmarishi. I am at your humble service. Kindly instruct me what I have to do for you. I shall fully accomplish the object of your visit, for you are very much a God for me.”

             Sage Viswamitra was pleased to know that the King had already granted his wish even before he had asked for it. He said, “What you have said is worthy of you alone and none else on earth. This speaks highly about the glory of your dynasty of kings, as well as the impact of a great sage like Vasishta as your family preceptor.” He then described the purpose of his visit. “Engaged in performing certain rituals I am facing great hindrances, from the rakshasas or devils Maricha and Subahu who have been raining flesh and blood on the sacrificial altar. These demons whose magical powers allow them to take any form at will, disrupt my efforts at all times and I have come away in despair. I cannot unleash my wrath upon them either, for the ritual is such that it forbids my uttering of curses while it is being conducted. So I ask you, give me Rama, your first born who knows no fear. He alone with his divine radiance is capable of slaying the rakshasas and I shall spread his fame in all the three worlds. Maricha and Subahu are of no match for Rama. They can never face him. Deem them dead already. I know of Rama's boundless courage and might which broods no retaliation .The most powerful Vasishta knows and so do the other sages. If your dharma and your fame are to remain forever on this earth, give me Rama! If Vasishta and your ministers allow it, send Rama with me, for ten nights. Let not the auspicious time set for my ritual slip away and do not sorrow." Visvamitra having said what he had to, fell silent and the doting father Dasaratha shattered and frightened sat on his throne, trembling with fear.

              Emerging from his daze Dasaratha said,"Rama is not even sixteen years of age. Is it possible for him to war with the rakshasas? I have an entire Akshauhini of which I am the lord and master. I shall go to war with those armies for they and not Rama can vanquish the enemy. With bow in hand so long as there is life in me I shall protect the yagna and fight Maricha and Subahu. Rama is but a mere boy of sixteen years inexperienced in war and in the wielding of weapons. He is no match for the rakshasas who are notorious for their treachery. Separated from Rama I cannot live! Born to me after sixty thousand years he is my greatest delight, so do spare him" Dasaratha then wanted to know more about the rakshasas,"What are their powers? Who are they and whose sons are they? What kind of bodies do they have and how does one counter their treachery? Neither Rama nor I can match their magical powers, nor ward off their evil because these creatures are justly proud of being invincible. Great Brahmin! How can Rama oppose these deceitful demons?" And Visvamitra said, "Born of the Paulastya dynasty, a rakshasa by name Ravana armed with a boon from Brahma, has been tormenting the three worlds. Strong and mighty he always has bands of his fellow beings with him. He is the brother of Kubera and son of Visravas. Though Ravana is not obstructing my sacrifices, Maricha and Subahu do so at his behest." Having heard Visvamitra, Dasaratha said, "I have not the strength to confront Ravana. Visvamitra. You are my guru and my god. Be gracious when even the devas, danavas, yakshas or Pannagas can not face Ravana, how can men bear him? And how can Rama, a little boy who has not even heard of wars do so. How can I send my son to fight those monsters that seem to be the very incarnations of death?" When Visvamitra heard Dasaratha's questions, he exploded into a terrible rage, blazing like the flames of a sacrificial fire fed by oblations.

             Infuriated with Dasaratha's words, Visvamitra said, "It is unworthy of you born of the race of Ikshvaku to go back on a promise. If you think that proper, I shall go away just as I had come and may you and your kin live happily." The earth shuddered at Visvamitra's anger and the devatas grew fearful. Vasishta, worshipful, wise, and courageous perceived trouble and reasoned with Dasaratha, "Lord, it does not befit you an Ikshvaku, reputed as the most righteous in the three worlds to abandon that very dharma to tread the path of adharma. Unjust and unworthy is this breach of promise which will augur nothing but ill will. Skilled or unskilled in weaponry Rama protected by Kausika will be inviolable to the rakshasas.

             If dharma took a form, it would be known as Visvamitra. This great sage whose might, valor and wisdom have no comparison has knowledge of every weapon that exists in the three worlds. Supreme source of ascetic power, he has the skill to wield every one of them, which other men have neither seen nor heard of or ever will. Not even the celestials know of them! While Visvamitra was still a king, Lord Siva gifted those weapons to him. Not only does Visvamitra possess them but has created newer ones. Never fear for Rama's safety so long as he is with the sage, who implores you to send Rama not because he cannot vanquish the demons but because he wants Rama's fame to pervade the earth." With all his fears allayed Dasaratha consented to let Rama accompany Visvamitra.

              Dasaratha, inspired by Vasishta's gentle persuasion, beamed with joy. Summoning Rama and Lakshmana he along with queen Kausalya bade farewell to Rama and Lakshmana amidst Vedic chants and auspicious mantras. Tranquil of mind and free of anguish Dasaratha fondly kissed Rama on his forehead and delivered him into the care and guidance of Visvamitra. As the great sage set out with Rama, Vayu, the god of wind blew caressingly, the drums of heaven sounded, the skies rained flowers and the palace reverberated with the sound of conches. Visvamitra journeyed back, followed by Rama and Lakshmana. With a pair of quivers strapped to their shoulders and armed with bows the princes were a power to reckon with. As they marched forth, their brilliance illuminated the entire world. They followed Visvamitra like the twin Aswini Devatas, born of the god of fire. With wrist and finger guards made of 'Godha' skin strapped on, bow in hand, lustrous, handsome, and beautifully attired the sons of Dasaratha followed the sage like Skanda and Visaka.

             When they reached the right bank of Sarayu, Visvamitra full of grace and love said, "Rama, dear boy, sip this water let not the auspicious moments slip by. Accept from me a conglomeration of mantras called Bala and AtiBala.Armed with these, you shall suffer neither fever nor fatigue, nor will your beauty fade. No rakshasa can harm you even if you are asleep or off guard. The might of your arms, in wielding the bow and arrow will be unrivaled. You shall have no equal in these three worlds either in skill, beauty, kindness, intellect, resolve or in flawless judgment after the mastery of these mantras. Bala and AtiBala are the mothers of wisdom and knowledge. They will set one free from thirst and hunger. These two mantras are the grand daughters of Lord Brahma. The repeated chanting of these will earn you unequaled fame. You alone are worthy of receiving them. Recited with ascetic discipline they will bestow rare and manifold benefits on you." After bathing in the shimmering waters of the Sarayu and performing 'achamana', Rama received the two mantras, Bala and AtiBala from Visvamitra, the power of which enhanced the glow to match the splendor of the Sun god. With Visvamitra's caring ministrations, Rama and Lakshamana spent a comfortable night sleeping in the open on a bed of grass, on the banks of Sarayu.

                This concludes the chapters 18,19,20,21 and 22 of Balakanda. Here we learnt about Rama's childhood till adolescence, the important event of Sage Visvamitra visiting Dasaratha and asking to send Rama along with him. It is the acquaintance of a great Sage Visvamitra who completes the education of Rama and prepares him for the future. We will learn more about Visvamitra, the rakshasas and the guardianship of Rama in subsequent posts. The custody of Visvamitra ends when Rama wins Sita and marries her. The marriage between Rama and Sita is an important event to look forward to and the foundation is laid now through Sage Visvamitra’s visit and accompanying Rama with him. It is Sage Visvamitra who directs Rama, plays an important role of a Guru in imparting education, and enables Rama to conquer evils and marry Sita. There is still quite a bit of time for the grandest and most celebrated marriage. Let us look at everything in between in the subsequent posts which prepares ground for the famed event.