Maricha is the rakshasa son of Tataka who, at Ravana's command, takes the form of a golden deer to lure Rama away from Sita. As he dies he cries out in Rama's voice, drawing Lakshmana away too.
Who was Maricha?
As a youth Maricha attacked Vishwamitra's sacrifice and was flung a hundred yojanas into the sea by Rama's arrow. Shaken, he became an ascetic. When Ravana asks his help, Maricha warns him at length that Rama is invincible and that taking Sita will destroy Lanka.
Threatened with death, Maricha obeys. He becomes a deer with silver spots and jewelled horns, leads Rama deep into the forest and, struck by his arrow, calls out for Sita and Lakshmana in Rama's voice before he dies.
In the Valmiki Ramayana
Maricha appears in 15 sargas across 3 Kandas.
First appearsBala Kanda · Sarga 19: Vishwamitra Asks for Rama
1.19Vishwamitra Asks for RamaBala Kanda · Sarga 19 · विश्वामित्र द्वारा राम की माँग3.31Akampana Warns RavanaAranya Kanda · Sarga 31 · अकंपन की सूचना3.37Maricha Praises RamaAranya Kanda · Sarga 37 · मारीच द्वारा राम की प्रशंसा3.39A Second Narrow EscapeAranya Kanda · Sarga 39 · दूसरी बार बचना3.42The Golden DeerAranya Kanda · Sarga 42 · स्वर्ण मृग7.14War with the YakshasUttara Kanda · Sarga 14 · यक्षों से युद्ध
Maricha's family
Often seen with Maricha
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