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Maricha

The Rakshasa who took the form of a golden deer to draw Rama away from Sita.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Parents
Sunda · Tataka
Siblings
Subahu (rakshasa)

Introduction

Maricha is a Rakshasa, the son of Tataka and Sunda. He is the one who took the form of the golden deer that led to the abduction of Sita.

This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.

Family

In Rama's youth

Maricha attacked Vishwamitra's sacrifice with his brother Subahu. Rama shot him with an arrow that threw him far into the sea, without killing him. After this, Maricha gave up his evil life and lived as an ascetic.

Ravana's request

Later, Ravana came to Maricha for help in abducting Sita. Maricha warned Ravana against it, saying that he had seen Rama's power. Ravana threatened to kill him, and Maricha agreed.

The golden deer

Maricha took the form of a golden deer that drew Rama away from the hut. Rama shot him, and as he died, Maricha called out in Rama's voice, which led Sita to send Lakshmana away.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  2. Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
  3. The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.