Quick Answer
Ram and Lakshman were guarding Sage Vishvamitra's yajna at Siddhashram when Mareech, Subahu and their rakshasa followers attacked it. Ram struck Mareech with the powerful Manava astra and hurled him about a hundred yojanas away without killing him. He then killed Subahu with the Agneya astra and destroyed the remaining attackers with the Vayavya astra. The yajna was successfully completed.
The Story
After defeating Tadaka, Ram and Lakshman continued travelling with Vishvamitra and eventually reached Siddhashram. There, Vishvamitra began his yajna, while the two princes took responsibility for protecting it.
For six days and nights, Ram and Lakshman remained alert as the ritual continued. On the final day, the attack came.
The sky suddenly filled with a frightening sound. Mareech and Subahu appeared with their followers, using their powers to darken the sky and pouring streams of blood over the sacrificial altar.
Seeing the attack, Ram decided to use the divastras that Vishvamitra had recently taught him to wield. He first used the Manava astra against Mareech. The weapon struck Mareech in the chest and hurled him a hundred yojanas away from Siddhashram. Importantly, Ram deliberately did not kill him. The weapon rendered Mareech unconscious and carried him away without taking his life.
Ram then turned towards Subahu. Taking the powerful Agneya astra, associated with fire, he struck Subahu in the chest. Subahu fell dead.
Ram then used the Vayavya astra against the remaining rakshasas and destroyed those who had come to disrupt the yajna.
With the attackers defeated, Vishvamitra's yajna was completed successfully. The sage praised Ram for fulfilling his duty and protecting the ritual.
Did You Know?
Mareech survived this encounter. He would meet Ram again much later in the Aranya Kand, when he became involved in the abduction of Sita.
Why It Matters Today
The episode reminds us that having strength is only one part of leadership. Knowing when to act, how much force to use, and what must be protected is equally important. For Ram and Lakshman, their first major battle was not about seeking glory. It was about using their abilities in the service of a responsibility entrusted to them.
References
- Valmiki Ramayan
- Bal Kand, Sarga 30, especially verses 10-24, describing the attack of Mareech and Subahu, Ram's use of the Manava and Agneya astras, and the destruction of the remaining rakshasas.
- Ramcharitmanas
- Bal Kand, Doha 209 and the following Chaupais, describing Ram's protection of Vishvamitra's yajna, Mareech being hurled across the ocean, Subahu's death and the destruction of the rakshasa forces.
