RAAMA SLAYS THE MONSTERS

Even as he was saying this, flames shot up from the sacrificial fire, for Agni, the God of Fire, knew that the Raakshasas had arrived. As the rites were being performed, there was heard from the sky a great roar.

Rama looked up and saw Maareecha and Subaahu and their followers preparing to shower unclean things on the sacrificial fire The army of Raakshasas covered 'the sky like a great black cloud.

Rama said, "Look Lakshmana," and let go the Maanavaastra at Maareecha. As was intended, it did not kill Maareecha, but wrapping him up in resistless force hurled him a full hundred yojanas near the sea.

With the Aagneyaastra Rama killed Subaahu; and then the two princes utterly destroyed the entire army of Raakshasas.

The sky was bright again.

Viswaamitra was supremely happy at the completion of his yaaga. "I am grateful to King Dasaratha," he said. "You have fulfilled the promise, princes. I admire your fortitude. This aashrama has through you become again a scene of success, Siddhaashrama." ('Siddha' means success).

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]