Rama having heard Visvamitra asked him another question,"The yakshas are said to be gracious and mild. How did this yaksha woman come to possess the might of a thousand elephants?" The sage said, "Tataka by virtue of a boon acquired phenomenal strength. In the days gone by, there lived a powerful and famed yaksha, by name Suketu who performed great austerities for begetting a son. Prajapati did not grant Sukethu a son but gave him a daughter upon whom he also bestowed the strength of a thousand elephants. Born by the boon of the Lord Creator, Tataka grew to be ravishingly beautiful and was given in marriage to Sunda, son of Jharjha.

To this charming couple was born a son strong and invincible. Though born of yaksha parentage, he was cursed to become a rakshasa. Later when Agastya killed Sunda. Enraged, Tataka went on a rampage and she along with her son Maricha rushed forth with the intent ofon devouring the sage. Agastya the most powerful of ascetics cursed Maricha and denounced Tataka saying, "From now on you will take the hideous form of a rakshasa woman and losing all beauty, will live on human flesh". Provoked and fuming Tataka exploded into a violentsenseless anger. Wrecking vengeance on the sacred land hitherto tread upon and sanctified by the holy feet of Agastya, she rendered it unfit and unworthy of all human habitation. "Rama, you alone can end Tataka's reign of terror. Diabolic of nature, maligned by the curse she is a threat to this very earth.Kill her for the welfare of the Brahmins and the cows. You need not show her either pity or compassion that is usually shown to a woman. It is the duty of a king, to do so in the interest and safety of his subjects. To this end you should not differentiate between man and woman. To protect his people the king should discharge his duty towards an act whether it is cruel or compassionate, sinful or honorable. It is an eternal law which binds those in power, appointed to bear the burden of the kingdom. Rama!Slay her for she does not abide by dharma. Destroy her like Indra destroyed Manthara, the daughter of Virochana, who wanted to annihilate the earth. Many divine persons and eminent men of great honor and valor have slain unrighteous women for the sake of dharma".