Hindu Mythology-9

While Lord Rama converses with Kaala (Time) and asks not to be disturbed, a sage wants to visit him.

 What is name of the sage?

Hindu mythology-8

Answer : 

Lord Rama killed Tataki/Tataka who was born Yakshini using Shabhdavedi

Story behind:

Sage Vishwamithra approaches King Dasharatha to seek his help. He says "I have undertaken a great sacrifice. But I have not been able to complete it successfully. Every time I begin the rites, two rakshasas, Maricha and Subahu, pour meat and blood into the fire and defile it. And so my endeavour is fruitless. I am capable of overcoming the two rakshasas by cursing them. But I am bound by the vow of the sacrifice and cannot have recourse to a curse. So I have come to you with a request. Be pleased to send your son, Rama with me. He will kill the rakshasas and enable me to continue the sacrifice. Do not doubt if Rama, who is very young, can kill the rakshasas. He is formidable in strength. He and only he can kill the rakshasas. So send him with me without any hesitation."

Dasharatha was deeply troubled when Vishwamitra made the request.He could not bear to part from Rama. The very thought that he had to send Rama with Vishwamitra, and that, too to kill rakshasas made him shudder.On intervention of royal priest, Vashista, who convinces Dasharatha, he accepts the request. Rama and Lakshmana were told to accompany the sage. The three went on foot. Vishwamitra went on narrating stories so that the lads might not find the journey tedious. He told them the history of every city and town and river and mountain on the way.

During their journey they come across a dense forest. Vishwamithra narrates the story of the forest. "once upon a time there were two big kingdoms here, Malada and Kurusha. A yakshi came here and began to indulge in wild plunder. She was called Tataki. She was the daughter of a yaksha, Sukethu by name and wife of Sunda another yaksha. She is very wicked. She has two sons-Maricha and Subahu. They are very cruel.The region was deserted. Finally it turned into this forest,people say. Tataki is still here. You should kill her. And then you can face her sons, Maricha and Subahu who keep obstructing my sacrifice."

Rama hesitates and asks however wicked Tataki might be, she is a woman. Is it not sinful to kill a woman? Vishwamitra answered, If the wicked, people whoever they may be, do not correct themselves, suffer. Crimes multiply and sufferings too increase. It is a sin to ignore such a state of affairs. He also qoutes examples of Indra killing Manthara and Vishnu killing Khyati for their sins. Rama listened to Vishwamitra words. He was convinced. Besides, his father had instructed him to obey the Maharshi. So he said to himself, My duty is to obey the sage implicitly.He raised his bow and pulled the string once. The forest echoed and re-echoed the sound.

The sound of Rama bow string reached Tataki ears, too. And she wondered. She was also furious. ‘Who dares provoke me? she roared and raced to where Rama was. Rama saw her monstrous form, the body of a rakshasi. He was not in the least frightened. Tataki advanced towards Rama roaring like thunder. She raised blinding dust around him, rained stones on him. Rama took his bow in his hand. He halted the stones with his arrows. He then approached her. He cut off her arms. Lakshmana cut off her ears and nose. Tataki then began to use her magical powers. She hid herself behind a tree and began to send forth a variety of arrows. Rama overcame all of them. But there seemed to be no end to the battle at all.

Vishwamitra then said,Rama, the sun is setting. With darkness rakshasas grow stronger. It will then be very difficult to kill them. So, kill Tataki at once. Using the shabhdavedi Rama discovered where she was and shot an arrow.Shabhdavedi is shooting an arrow at an invisible object, merely following the sound. Rama arrow pierced Tataki chest and it burst. She fell down with a terrifying cry.
 

 

Hindu Mythology-7

Name the yakshini whom Lord Rama killed using __________ weapon.