Rama and Laksmana leave with Visvamitra

Rama and Laksmana leave with Visvamitra

Visvamitra, Rama, and Laksmana left Ayodhya during the day and went into the forest. The birds, the wind, even the colors seemed to sing the same song of peace and serenity. The forest was of an extraordinary, celestial beauty, which naturally led to thoughts of virtue. The two brothers were calm and followed the sage with respect. In the company of the learned Muni, the journey proved to be pleasant and instructive. Visvamitra told many stories and showed them various holy places, telling compelling stories on the spot.

After a few days of walking, the three reached another part of the forest. The air was no longer the same, there was a tense and demonic atmosphere; immediately Rama felt that they had entered a different place, nothing serene or peaceful as the others. Everywhere lay the bones of various animals and even men.

The air vibrated and made them feel uncomfortable. Rama saw that Visvamitra too had lost his cheerfulness and his talkativeness.

“I see there is something bothering you,” she asked. “I clearly see the signs of discomfort on your face. In this part of the forest the atmosphere is no longer the same, I no longer hear the birds chirping, and I don’t even see many animals. Tell me. Is there anything particular about this place?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Visvamitra admitted. “This forest is not like all the others because Tataka, a terrible Rakshasi, has lived here for many years. You know that generally these beings are very evil and take pleasure in eating meat, especially human flesh, and in drinking blood. In addition to this, they have many mystical powers and are brave in combat.”

“I understand,” Rama replied, “that her presence is a source of suffering for many people. Do you want me to do something about it?”

“Look at these bones and feel the stench in the air,” was the reply. “Even the animals no longer pass through these paths. This was once a pleasant and joyful forest. Tataka has turned it into a dreary and hideous desert. This is why it is good that you kill him.”

 

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