Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.613

c8.613

4). Death. When Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa were living in the Daṇḍakāraṇya with Sītā they were annoyed by a demoness named Śūrpaṇakhā. In the fight that ensued very many demons were killed. Śūrpaṇakhā complained to Rāvaṇa who decided to kill Rāma and carry away Sītā. For this he sought the help of his uncle Mārīca. Flying in his golden Vimāna and crossing mountains and oceans he approached Mārīca and told him of his plan. Mārīca who was aware of the force of Rāmabāṇa dissuaded Rāvaṇa from such a venture. But Rāvaṇa persisted in his plan and gave Mārīca the following instructions : “Become a golden deer with beautiful white spots all over the body and roam about near the āśrama of Rāma for his wife Sītā to see. I am sure Sītā will request her husband Rāma to catch hold of you. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa will follow you and Sītā will be left alone. I will then carry away Sītā as Rāhu takes Candrikā (moonlight) and live happily with her. I will be contented if I can then tease Rāma when lamenting over his separation from his wife”. Thinking that it would be better to die at the hands of Rāma than at the hands of Rāvaṇa, Mārīca agreed to do as his nephew desired.