In the heart of the celestial realms, as the newly wed Lord of the gods journeyed forth with the Maruts, an evil-minded being dared to disrupt his divine procession. This wicked one, filled with malice, was met with the great-souled Lord's rebuke. In a swift act of divine justice, Rudra cast a piercing glance that shattered the very limbs of this vile creature, reducing him to a mere shadow of his former self. Thus, his body was consumed by the wrath of the Lord of the gods, and he became known as Kāma, the bodiless one, or Anaṅga. The place where his body fell was thereafter revered as Aṅgaviṣaya, a blessed region. In this sacred land stood a hermitage, home to ancient disciples devoted to righteousness, where no sin was found among them. It was here that Rāma, the noble descendant of Raghu, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa chose to rest for the night, nestled between two holy rivers. They approached the hermitage with pure hearts, eager to enjoy the comfort of the ascetics' hospitality. After bathing and performing their rituals, the brothers engaged in conversation, their presence drawing the gaze of the ascetics, who were long-practiced in austerity. Recognizing the sons of Kuśika, the sages welcomed them with joy, offering water for their feet and the warmth of hospitality. They honored Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with delightful tales, filling the air with laughter and camaraderie. As evening descended, the focused sages performed their evening prayers, joined by fellow ascetics committed to virtuous living. In the serene hermitage of Kāma, they dwelt happily, entertained by Kauśika, the foremost among ascetics, who regaled them with enchanting stories. As dawn broke, illuminating the world in clarity, the two destroyers of enemies completed their morning rites and approached the riverbank, led by the sage Viśvāmitra. The great-souled sages, steadfast in their vows, prepared a fine boat for their journey. They urged Viśvāmitra to board the vessel with the princes at the forefront, assuring them of a safe passage without delay. With the agreement of the sages, Viśvāmitra, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa crossed the river that flowed toward the ocean. As they navigated the waters, a tumultuous noise rose from the depths, causing curiosity to stir within Rāma. Seeking understanding, he inquired of the sage about the source of the commotion. Viśvāmitra, filled with knowledge, began to explain. He spoke of a supreme lake, Mānasa, created by the mind of Brahma upon Mount Kailasa. From this sacred lake, the river flowed forth, winding its way toward Ayodhya. The Sarayu, born of this divine origin, carried with it an incomparable sound that reached the banks of the Jahnavi. Rāma, recognizing the sanctity of the waters, offered his respectful salutations. Upon reaching the southern bank, the two princes, swift in movement, pressed onward. However, they soon encountered a forest that appeared formidable and filled with the sounds of crickets and the cries of fearsome beasts. Rāma, the descendant of Ikshvaku, questioned the sage about this dreadful wilderness, adorned with lions, tigers, and a multitude of trees that seemed to whisper of danger. Viśvāmitra, endowed with immense energy, explained the forest's ominous nature. Long ago, two prosperous regions, Malada and Karusha, had thrived in this very place, created by the gods. Yet, after the slaying of Vritra, Indra, overwhelmed by impurity and hunger, had deposited his taint upon the earth here. The gods and ascetic sages had purified Indra and, in gratitude, bestowed a boon upon the land, ensuring that these regions would achieve great renown. However, joy turned to despair as the Maladas and Karushas found themselves beset by a fearsome yakshini named Tataka, the wife of the wise Sunda. With the strength of a thousand elephants, she brought terror to the land. Her son, Maricha, a rakshasa of formidable prowess, was equally terrifying, with a massive form that struck fear into the hearts of the people and wreaked havoc upon these once-thriving regions. Thus, the tale unfolded, revealing the challenges that lay ahead for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa in their noble quest.