A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1153

c5.1153

MĀRĪCHA. A Rākshasa, son of Tārakā. According to the Rāmāyana he interfered with a sacrifice which was being performed by Viswāmitra, but was encountered by Rāma, who discharged a weapon at him, which drove him one hundred yojanas out to sea. He was afterwards the minister of Rāvana, and accompanied him to the hermitage where Rāma and Sītā were dwelling. There, to inveigle Rāma, he assumed the shape of a golden deer, which Rāma pursued and killed. On receiving his death-wound he resumed a Rākshasa form and spake, and Rāma discovered whom he had killed. In the meanwhile Rāvana had carried off Sītā.