Extra Credit Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

I focused on PDE Ramayana: Thataka by Donald A. Mackenzie

Rama and Lakshmana fighting the demon, Thataka.

Image source: Thataka

Thataka:

Sage Vishvamitra came to King Dashartha and asked if his son Rama could help him kill evil demons living in the jungle. After pleading with Dashartha, he ends up saying yes and to take Rama’s little brother Lakshmana with them for the fight. When they get to the desert, they come upon a demon named Thataka described as misshapen and horrible, though she was once a Goddess.

Rama started to aim his bow at her, but she noticed and began running toward them throwing boulders and roaring at them. The boys didn’t want to kill her because she was a woman, so they cut off her arms along with her nose and ears. I don’t see how dismembering her body is better than killing her, but apparently it was. Anyway, after her arms, nose, and ears are cut off, Thataka shapeshifts and becomes invisible and begins knocking more boulders over around Rama and Lakshmana. It is a, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” type of deal, I guess.

The sage ordered Rama to kill Thataka, and just by listening for her, he was able to shoot her with an arrow and killed her. The three were so happy and congratulated Rama on his kill. The next morning, the sage began chanting mantras and “celestial weapons” appeared along with their spirits thanking Rama for killing Thataka. They also told Rama that they were his servants, and Rama replied that when he thinks of them, they must wait upon him.

After that, the sage led the boys back to his home in a grove filled with happy wild animals where the other sages welcomed them graciously. During a ceremony six day after Thataka was slain, Maricha, the son of Thataka, rushed in with his band of rakshasas to destroy the altar and ceremony. Immediately, Rama thinks of his celestial weapons and they appear next to him. He shoots Maricha and sends him flying, and also kills all of the other demons that came with him. After killing all of the demons, the sages praised Rama.