Sage Vishwamitra was going to perform a great sacrifice and wished to do so without the demons spoiling it. So, he demanded Rama and Lakshmana from king Dasharatha. But king Dasharatha was stunned by the demand. How could he send his beloved Rama and Lakshmana, who had just returned from the hermitage and were too young to fight against strong and horrible demons?
Sage Vasishtha saw the king seated silent and realised what he must be thinking. He spoke to king Dasharatha thus, “Have no fear or anxiety, O King! Send Rama and Lakshmana with Sage Vishwamitra, for they are strong and intelligent. It will bring them good fortune. No ill shall befall them.” King Dasharatha was devoted to Sage Vasishtha, and reassured by the Sage’s words, he called his sons and gave them into the care of Sage Vishwamitra.
Rama and Lakshmana set off into a dense forest with Sage Vishwamitra, crossing river Ganga. The Sage was describing all the saints and the places there. The forest was dense and infested with wild animals and demons
Once home to many sages and forest dwellers, now it was deserted because of the terror caused by a she-monster named Tadaka and her accomplices. They would defile the sacrifices made by the saints and the sages.
Rama strung his bow and the twang of the bow echoed all over the forest. Tadaka, Subahu and Mareecha’s mother, heard it and responded to the challenge immediately, charging out of the trees to attack Rama and Lakshmana. Seeing her, Rama said, “O Sage! She is a woman and killing a woman is unrighteous.” Sage Vishwamitra explained, “She is a she-monster and is leading a cursed life in demoniac form. She is tormenting all the creatures. So, she must be killed.” Rama’s arrow tore into Tadaka, killing her on the spot. Seeing Rama’s prowess Sage Vishwamitra felt extremely elated. From there, they all proceeded to ‘Siddhashram’.
Next day, Sage Vishwamitra performed the sacrifice. All of a sudden, Mareecha and Subahu reached there to avenge their mother’s death. Rama’s arrow killed Subahu whereas Mareecha was flung a 100 yojanas away with Rama’s another arrow. Thus, the sacrifice was completed in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana who obtained several divine weapons from Sage Vishwamitra.
