Vyasa

Aranyaka Parva›Rama's Exile and the Abduction of Sita

Ravana Enlists Maricha to Lure Rama Away

Why "Supporting"?

Causal ReachTop 79%
Character WeightTop 91%
State ChangeTop 95%
Narrative RecallTop 50%

~1 min read

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.

Ravana arrived at Maricha's hermitage in the forest. Maricha received him with respect — fruits, roots, and other offerings — and when the rakshasa had rested, the one skilled with words spoke to the one eloquent with words. "Your complexion is not in its natural state. Is everything well in your city? Do all your subjects honour you as they used to? What task has brought you here? Even if the task is difficult to accomplish, know that it has already been done." Ravana told him everything about what Rama had done. Maricha listened. Then he spoke briefly. "You must not provoke Rama. I am acquainted with his valour. Is there anyone who can withstand the force of the arrows of that great-souled one? The bull among men is responsible for my leading the life of an ascetic. What evil-souled one has directed you to this course of action that will take you to the mouth of destruction?" Ravana's anger flared. "If you do not act in accordance with my words, it is certain that you will meet with death." Maricha thought to himself: it is better to die at the hands of a superior being. Since death is certain, I will do what he wants. "What help can I render you? I will do it even if I am not capable." Ravana told him: "Go and tempt Sita. Become a deer with jewels on its antlers and a skin adorned with gems. On seeing you, Sita will send Rama after you. With Kakutstha gone, Sita will be in my powers. I will then abduct her. The evil-minded one will cease to exist because of separation from his wife. Render this help to me." Maricha performed the rites with water for himself — the funeral rites a man performs before death. Extremely miserable, he followed Ravana, who led the way. They went to the hermitage of Rama, the one whose deeds were unsullied. They acted exactly as they had planned. Ravana assumed the form of an ascetic — head shaven, a three-poled staff in his hand. Maricha assumed the form of a deer. He showed himself to Vaidehi, and prompted by destiny, she sent Rama after him.

Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 559