The Slaying of Tataka and Subahu

Ram nocked an arrow. When he released it, the sound of his bow made the entire forest tremble. Upon hearing this sound, Tataka's anger knew no bounds, and she rushed toward it. Seeing Ram, she charged at him, and they began to battle. Despite Tataka's ghastly appearance, Ram remained heroic, brave, and undistracted. He shot an arrow that pierced Tataka's heart, causing the monstrous being to fall lifeless to the ground. The news of Ram's victory reached the gods in Svarg (heaven), and Vishwamitra hugged and blessed Ram, granting him powerful weapons like the Brahmastra.

Vishwamitra, Ram, and Lakshman continued their journey and eventually reached the Siddhashram (hermitage of the enlightened). This was Vishwamitra's ashram. Upon reaching, he received a warm welcome from the residents. The peaceful and clean environment of the ashram left a deep impression on Ram and Lakshman. The presence of the two made it possible for all the residents to live without fear of demons. Upon reaching the ashram, Rishi Vishwamitra prepared for a yagya, which proceeded without interruption for five days. On the sixth day, a sound like thunder was heard in the ashram, and soon after, two gigantic demons – Mareech, Tataka's son, and his friend, Subahu – approached, accompanied by a large army that obeyed their every command.

Fully prepared for this situation, Ram wounded Mareech with an arrow, causing him to fall unconscious on the riverbank. Upon regaining consciousness, Mareech fled in the southern direction. Ram then slew Subahu with a powerful arrow and, with another shot, destroyed the entire army of Mareech and Subahu. The residents of the ashram rejoiced, and Rishi Vishwamitra completed his yagya without further disturbance.

"Most respected Maharshi, what command do you have for us now?" asked Ram as he touched Vishwamitra's feet.

"Dear Ram, you must have heard the name of Janak, the king of Mithila," Vishwamitra answered. "He is planning a great yagya in Mithila. You and Lakshman must come with me to the kingdom of Mithila and participate in that yagya. In Emperor Janak's palace, there is a large bow that no one can lift. You will be able to see that bow."

Janak once found a baby girl in a box buried in the earth while plowing the land. He adopted the baby, Mother Earth's daughter, and named her Seeta. Rishi Vishwamitra spoke to Ram and Lakshman about Seeta's upcoming swayamvar.