After the ultimatum of the demon king Ravana, Maricha, uncomfortable with the command to commit a grave misdeed, grew harsh and spoke thus:
“Ravana! Tell me, who has destined you, your sons, your kingdom, and your counsels to perish? Who is the sinner, executing a plan to destroy the demon world through you? O King, who opposes your comfortable reign and the safety of Lanka? Which villain drives you with force towards the gates of death? Undoubtedly, your enemies, unable to face you in combat, are directing you to your destruction at the hands of Rama, wishing to witness your defeat.
Ravana, it is the duty of your counsels to prevent you from walking the path of ruin. When they fail in this fundamental task, they deserve the harshest punishment. When a king behaves recklessly, endangering the demon clan and the kingdom, it falls upon his ministers to halt his descent into destruction. Why, then, have they remained passive? You, Ravana, are among the most successful of kings, a beacon of virtue, wealth, ambition, and fame. But if a king acts cruelly, these virtues will vanish. O Best of Kings! A king is the root of virtue and success and must be shielded and guided by his counsel at all times.
Ravana, your extreme nature, antisocial actions, and lack of humility are the three blazing trials no king should entertain, as people will turn against such despicable traits. Your ministers must restrain a king unfit to rule. Just as horses won’t heed an incompetent charioteer and will throw off the occupants and the chariot, so are your ministers mishandling you, leading you to perish along with them. In this world, the path of the wicked often overrides the righteous, only to end in destruction. Under tyrants, the people are in as much peril as goat herds guarded by wolves.
Ravana, you are a cruel, thoughtless, and unrestrained king, jeopardizing the life and future of the demon race and Lanka. They all stand to perish under your autocratic and devastating acts concerning Rama. This danger has suddenly befallen me, and though I care not for myself, I am deeply concerned about you and your entourage being wiped out. After my demise, you will be slain by Rama. I would rather fall to a righteous enemy like Rama than continue under the burden of your command.
If you accompany me to Rama’s hermitage with the malicious intent of abducting Sita, know that I will not return. Lanka will be reduced to dust by Rama’s wrath. Ravana, when I genuinely intend to save you from disaster, you refuse to heed my sound advice. When a person reaches the end of their tether, they reject even the most well-meaning counsel. Though I have crossed all bounds to divert you from your ill-advised course, it has been in vain.
In rage, with eyes burning and trembling, Ravana commanded, leaving me no choice but to submit. I said in a helpless tone, ‘Very well, Ravana, let us proceed.’ I took my bow, quiver, arrows, shield, and sword, knowing I would live only until Rama readied his bow. Prepare for the news of my death, for facing Rama and surviving is a fool’s hope. My spirit is already gone, leaving behind a lifeless body. What can I do before your dishonorable attitude? I go now. May the gods save you! Blessings!”
Ravana, pleased and joyous, embraced Maricha, declaring, “Now you are abiding by the king’s order, enhancing your pride. You are truly Maricha now. Until now, you were in the guise of weakness and doubt. Once you have lured Sita away, separating her from Rama and Lakshmana, you are free to go where you please. My command will no longer bind you. You will be at liberty.”
The chariot, drawn by ghostly donkeys, powerful and swift, took them swiftly to their destination. As they passed through towns, forests, mountains, rivers, and cities, each place resplendent in its way, Maricha, burdened by his sinful task, could not enjoy the beauty. Ravana, preoccupied with his vile scheme, meticulously watched their surroundings.
Stopping the chariot, Ravana held Maricha’s hand and pointed, “See, the ashram is covered by banana trees. This is our target. Let us work swiftly.” Maricha then transformed into a unique deer and moved gracefully toward the ashram gate. The deer, with its horns like rich rubies and its face a blend of black and white, moved with subtle, tempting beauty. Its eyes sparkled like sapphires, and its body glowed with the brilliance of precious stones and flowers. It played in the grove, its dazzling form captivating Sita, who, gathering flowers, was mesmerized by the creature’s splendor.
As the cosmos unfolded its impartial balance, the intricate dance between good and evil, force and compliance, began to play out. In these moments, the choices and virtues of individuals would impact the fate of all, bringing forth lessons of failure and success.
