Maricha

Markandeya tells Yudhishthira the full story of Rama's exile: Dasharatha's plan to instate his eldest son, Kaikeyi's demand for Bharata's throne and Rama's banishment, Rama's departure, Dasharatha's death from grief, Bharata's refusal of the crown, and the events that led Ravana to set his sights on Sita.

Ravana arrives at Maricha's hermitage and demands his help to lure Sita away. Maricha knows Rama's power and refuses — until Ravana's anger forces his hand. He performs his own funeral rites, then follows Ravana to execute the plan that will destroy them both.

To please Sita, Rama chases a jeweled deer deep into the forest, leaving Lakshmana to guard her. When the dying deer cries out in Rama's voice, Sita's fear turns to fury — and she drives Lakshmana away with words he cannot bear to hear.