It was the hideous form of the demoness, Tataka. Then appearing out of between two trees, Rama saw a horrible sight. He fired just as the rock was about to hit him. He slipped an arrow in place and drew his bow. From nowhere a huge rock came hurling out of the sky heading straight for Rama. Each step they took brought them deeper into the forest. They heard many strange and frightening sounds. Rama and Lakshmana followed Vishwamitra into the forest. Rama clutched his bow and removed arrows from his quiver.
By doing so, you will restore the land to the prosperity and the peace it once enjoyed."
To you to rid this forest of these demons. The sage turned to Rama and said, "Now it is up She attacks and kills anyone who enters." Neither Rama nor Lakshmana were afraid. Now the terrible she-demon, Tataka, lives here. The sage said, "This was once a beautiful and prosperous country. They journeyed until they reached the foot of a frightening forest.
Whenever the three stopped to rest, the sage took the time to teach the boys how to use the powerful weapons of the gods to fight the demons. Rama and Lakshmana, weapons slung over their shoulders, and followed the sage along the Sarayu River bank. "I shall go, too, father," declared Lakshmana. Rama understood and willingly went with the sage. The king told Rama about Vishwamitra's request. He also knew that only Vishnu in human form could kill Ravana. He knew that Rama was an avatar, or incarnation of Vishnu on earth. I cannot live even a few minutes." The king began to weep. I shall fight these demons with my own hands. I shall send you my armies to battle these demons. "I pray, Dasaratha, that you allow me to take Rama with me to protect my sacred rite." My vows prevent me personally from fighting these demons." The "I have been trying to perform an important sacred rite which is again and again being interrupted by Ravana's demons. "It pleases me to hear those words from you, " said Vishwamitra. "How can I help? No wish is too great to ask," the king responded. The sage said, "I have come to ask you a favor." One day the sage, or wise man, Vishvamitra came to Ayodhya to see the king. He did not say it in so many words, but heĭid have a special place in his heart for Rama. He enjoyed watching his sons grow before his eyes. They were devoted to the welfare of others. It was as if they were one life in two bodies.Īll four sons grew to be intelligent men. Even as infants, everyone noticed that Rama and Lakshmana were inseparable. There was great rejoicing in the city when four sons were born to their king. No sooner had his wives finished, than each shone with the glow of a divine being in their womb. The king gave each of his wives part of the drink. It is a boon that will bring sons." Then the messenger disappeared. The messenger said, "Give each of the three wives this drink. Vishnu sent a messenger to king Dasaratha with payasam, a sweet made of milk and rice, laced with a special potion. He failed to protect himself from humans and monkeys." Vishnu decided to be born as a human who could kill Ravana. Vishnu thought, "Ravana, in his arrogance, protected himself only from those beings whom he thought could hurt him. This boon protected him from gods and demons.
But what? Years ago Ravana was granted a boon, or promise. Learning of Ravana's actions, Vishnu, the protector of the universe, decided it was time to do something. This was a terrible insult to all who were holy. To prevent the gods and holy men from performing sacred rituals. I shall perform a sacred rite to please the gods."Įxcited by this wonderful news, the king ran to tell his three wives Sumitra, Kaikeyi, and Kausalya, "I will have sons!"Īt the same moment many of the gods were growing more and more angry with Ravana, the ruler of the rakshasas, or demons. He replied, "Dasaratha, you will have sons. The priest knew all too well that his king needed to have a son. I long for a son, a son who will take my place on the throne." One day the king called upon his priest Vasistha. Old, he had no son to inherit his throne. The farmers and merchants fed and clothed the citizens. The rulers and warriors governed and protected the city. Their lives to studying the sacred texts. Each person knew his or her role in society. Everyone had faith in God and read the scriptures daily. The people of Ayodhya were peace-loving and happy. Spires of great temples rose above the city as if to touch the sky. In the city there were magnificent palaces decorated with precious stones. On the banks of the Sarayu River stood the beautiful city of Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala.