The Return of the Princes and Vishwamitra's Request

Accompanied by the three queens, Emperor Dasharath stood waiting for the princes at the main door of the palace. After getting off the chariot, Ram first touched Kaikeyi's feet, who lovingly hugged him. Then, Ram touched Sumitra and Kaushalya's feet. The queens were filled with motherly love. Following this, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughna also touched the queens' feet. Emperor Dasharath had eagerly awaited his sons' arrival. When he saw his sons, his heart filled with affection. Ram and his brothers also touched their father's feet. Dasharath's happiness knew no bounds, and the excitement echoed in the palace. Dasharath ordered the generous giving of alms to the poor to mark the occasion of the princes' return. As the eldest among the princes, Ram was the heir apparent to the throne. He guided his younger brothers in governance and taught them to be sincere and virtuous.

One day, a sentinel informed Emperor Dasharath that Rishi Vishwamitra had arrived at the palace. In those days, everyone feared Vishwamitra. Upon hearing the news of Rishi Vishwamitra's arrival, Emperor Dasharath rushed to welcome him. "Oh Maharshi, I am blessed by your arrival," said the emperor as he touched Vishwamitra’s feet. "It is the fruit of my ancestors' virtues and my good deeds that a Maharshi like you has come to my house. I give you my word that I will do anything you ask."

"Emperor Dasharath, while I was performing my yagya, two powerful monsters, Mareech and Subahu, tried to cause a disturbance," replied Vishwamitra. "They demolished my yagya by pouring blood and bones into the sacrificial fire. You can send Ram and Lakshman with me to slay these monsters." Emperor Dasharath was dumbfounded by Rishi Vishwamitra's request. Vishwamitra divined Dasharath's state of mind and promised him that no harm would befall Ram or Lakshman. Vishwamitra himself was a great warrior who was brave and knowledgeable. The Emperor was reassured and sent the two boys with Vishwamitra to destroy the monsters.

Rishi Vishwamitra, Ram, and Lakshman began their arduous journey. After crossing the river Ganga, they passed through a difficult path in the forest Dandak. The forest was dense, and the trio heard the shrieks of terrifying animals. The forest Dandak used to be peaceful, but the monstress Tataka and her son Mareech scared everyone away. Walking in the jungle, Vishwamitra told Ram and Lakshman to be alert. "Tataka and Mareech are still roaming this jungle," he warned. "People don't dare enter this forest because they fear Tataka—a horrible monstress with the strength of thousands of elephants. Through her brutality, she has made people's lives difficult. You must kill her so rishis can live in this area without fear."