Maricha’s End

Ram is aware that the strange deer of incomparable beauty that approaches them in the forest could well be a decoy or an ogre with vile intentions but he is aroused by both curiosity and the urge to fulfil Sita’s wish to have it. Therefore, he goes after it.Although he flees with a trembling heart, Maricha, who has taken the form of the fine-looking deer, manages to lure Sri Ram far away from the cottage. Sometimes visibly seized with fear, sometimes leaping into the air and sometimes disappearing from sight, the terrible ogre who has assumed this deceptive form, lets himself be seen at a distance. The strangely lustrous and beautiful deer with glossy skin and a gem-studded body, seems to illumine the forest as he darts through the thick woods.The deer keeps fleeing in fright knowing that it is to be captured. It sometimes mingles with the other herds and then emerges from behind a cluster of trees, evading capture and death..Growing impatient with the futile chase, the beloved of Sita draws a blazing arrow fashioned by Brahma, and taking clear aim at the animal, discharges it through the forest. The effulgent missile that resembles lightning, pierces the animal, cleaving its flesh, as the ogre in disguise resumes his mammoth form. Mimicking Sri Ram’s voice, he cries aloud for Sita and Lakshman before dying. Rama, realising that an evil plot has drawn him afar, hastens towards the hermitage.Hearing what she thought were her husband’s cries, Sita is fraught with anguish. The long, loud and bitter wail leaves her trembling with fear and her senses seem to fail. Concluding that her beloved’s life is in danger, she requests Lakshman to hasten to his aid in the woods. Lakshman consoles her, reminding her of Sri Ram’s might and telling her that no god, Gandharva or demon could dare or defy him, and therefore, he could come to no harm. He insists that he cannot leave Sita alone in the wild woods unless Sri Ram is by her side, since he is under a pledge to protect her while he is away.Sita, however, will not be consoled. She even doubts his motives and with bitter words that sting, commands him to leave. A reluctant Lakshman is then forced to leave in search of Ram, albeit with foreboding in his heart.

Maricha’s End

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