TARAKA ............ ........

Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana crossed the Saryu river and reached a dark and dense forest.

Vishwamitra told the two princes, "In this forest, there lives a cruel demoness called Taraka. She kills everyone who comes to this forest. You must free this forest of her."

When Taraka heard te sound of their approaching feet, she thought, "I can hear some noise. Who had dared come in my forest? Whoever it might be, I will kill him."

She saw Rama and threw a big stone at him, but Rama stopped the stone with an arrow.

When Rama showed hesitation in killing a female, Vishwamitra explained to him that it was necessary to kill a menace like her because of her aggressive and cruel ways.

Taraka made herself invisible and caused a stone storm to occur. Rama could not see her but just by listening to the sound of the stones, he hit Taraka with his arrows.

Vishwamitra said, "The sun is soon going to set. After sunset demons are unassailable, so you have to kill Taraka before sunset."

Taraka continued to attach them. Finally, Rama shot an arrow at her which pierced her heart, and she died.

Lord Indra and other gods were much pleased on seeing the dead taraka, as she had been killing many innocent people.

Lord Indra and the gods blessed Rama and gave him divine weapons.

The Gods promised to help Rama whenever he would need help.

Then Vishwamitra, Rama and Lakshmana walked on till they reached th beautiful hermitage of Vishwamitra.

Vishwamitra then put Rama and Lakshmana on guard and started his yagna.

Everything was peaceful for five days. Rama said, "Lakshmana, the demons may come when the yagna is about to end. So now, we must be alert and careful because they may attack us any time."

On the sixth day, the monstrous demons attacked them.