Rama bowing to Visvamitra with great reverence said, "In Ayodhya, my father Dasaratha commanded me in the presence of the eminent to carry out every wish of yours, without hesitation. Out of respect for his father's words and your wishes I will execute that act of dharma, for the welfare of not only the cows and Brahmins, but also for the prosperity of the country. I stand ready to do as you bid and take upon myself the task of eliminating the menace of Tataka". Rama then held his bow and twanged at the string, sending out a fearful sound, which reverberated in all the four directions even as the dwellers of forest trembled with fear. Tataka unaware and confused at what could have caused the thunderous sound ran out in a great fury.

Wrathful and ugly, Tataka came bounding striking terror into the hearts of the not so brave. Seeing her, Rama said to Lakshmana, "She looks invincible and she possesses magical powers. I am going to disfigure her by cutting her nose and ears for I am averse to killing a woman. I will also deprive her of her strength and her power of motion by doing away with her limbs. The infuriated monster charged forward generating a fierce dust storm which dismayed Rama and Lakshmana for a moment. Tataka then rained on the Ikshvaku princes who in anger retaliated that rain of rocks with a rain of arrows and cut off the hands of the demon as she was advancing. Deprived of her limbs, worn out, roaring with anger and writhing in pain, Tataka then lost her ears and nose to the wrath of Lakshamana. Then using her magical powers she vanished from sight but did not stop from sending another torrent of rocks as a parting shot. Seeing Rama and Lakshmana hit by the rocks Visvamitra spoke up, "She does not deserve any more mercy. This yakshini who is sinful and wicked deserves death. She will regain her strength soon, so slay her before dusk, for after the Sun sets the rakshasas become invincible". Rama marching forward detracted the raining rocks with his arrows, which were capable of detecting and traveling in the direction of sound.

Frustrated that her being invisible proved futile, Tataka hurled herself at Rama, who swift as lightening shot her in the chest with an arrow and she fell lifeless. Seeing the mountainous heap of matter, as frightening in death as in life, the lord of the gods and the gods themselves honored Rama and commended his valor. Indra blessed Visvamitra with prosperity and fame for having gratified the devas by encouraging Rama to annihilate the fearful yakshini. He also wanted Visvamitra to reward Rama with the astras of Bhrisasvas the two weapons endowed with ascetic power and energy. "Rama alone is worthy of them. He alone can use them to ward off many such evils to come and protect the celestials", said Indra. Devatas and siddhas praised Rama for killing Tataka. Liberated from the curse of Tataka and her dreaded presence the forest regained its radiant charm and came to be as splendid as that of Kubera's Chitraratha. Visvamitra happy at the death of Tataka, fondly kissed Rama on the forehead saying that they should all rest for the night and journey on to his hermitage on the morrow. Rama retired for the night and woke up at dawn to the call of Visvamitra.