Aranya Kaanda
118 - The episode of Marica and how he was killed in the form of a gold deer
Chaupais
Description
As soon as He had slain the wretch the Hero of Raghu's line turned back, the charming bow in his hand and the quiver at His waist. When Sita heard the cry of distress, She was seized with excessive fear and said to Laksmana, "Go quickly, your brother is in great peril." Laksmana answered with a smile, " Listen, mother ! By the very play of Sri Rama's eyebrows the entire creation is annihilated; could He then ever dream of being in danger?" But when Sita urged him with words that cut him to the quick, Laksmana's resolution-for such was Sri Hari's will-was shaken, He entrusted Her to the care of all the sylvan gods and the deities presiding over the quarters and proceeded to the place where Sri Rama, a veritable Rahu to the moonlike Ravana, was. Availing himself of this opportunity, when there was none by the side of Sita, the ten-headed Ravana drew near to Her cottage in the guise of a recluse. He, in fear of whom the gods and demons equally trembled, so much so that they could neither sleep by night nor eat their food by day-that very Ravana proceeded on his mission of thieving looking this side and that like a cur. Even so the moment a man sets his foot on the path of vice, O Garuda (king of birds), his bodily glow, reason and strength completely disappear. Having invented alluring stories of various kinds he not only showed Her the course which was dictated by political wisdom but also used threats and made love to Her. Said Sita, "Listen, O holy father: you have spoken like a villain." Then Ravana revealed his real form; and She was terrified when he mentioned his name. Sita plucked all Her courage and said, " Stay awhile, O wretch; my lord has come. Even as a tiny hare would wed a lioness, so have you wooed your own destruction (by setting your heart on me), O king of demons." On hearing these words the ten-headed Ravana flew into a rage, though in his heart he rejoiced to adore Her feet.