A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1840

c5.1840

TĀRAKĀ. A female Daitya, daughter of the Yaksha Su-ketu or of the demon Sunda, and mother of Mārīcha. She was changed into a Rākshasī by Agastya, and lived in a forest called by her name on the Ganges, opposite the confluence of the Sarju, and she ravaged all the country round. Viswāmitra desired Rāma-chandra to kill her, but he was reluctant to kill a woman. He resolved to deprive her of the power of doing harm, and cut off her two arms. Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears. She, by the power of sorcery, assailed Rāma and Lakshmana with a fearful shower of stones, and at the earnest command of Viswāmitra, the former killed her with an arrow.—*Rāmāyana*.