03.262
Markandeya said.
But then, Mārīca, startled upon seeing Rāvaṇa arrive, received him with proper courtesies and offered him fruits, roots, and similar items. (03-262-1)
The rākṣasa, after he had seen him rested and seated and had seated himself close by, addressed respectful words to the one skilled and expert in speech. (03-262-2)
Is your minister not true to his nature? Is everything well in your city? Do all the subjects serve you as before? (03-262-3)
O lord of the rākṣasas, whatever task there is here for your coming, know that it is already done, even if it might be very difficult. (03-262-4)
Rāvaṇa told him everything about Rāma’s actions. Mārīca, after hearing it, spoke to Rāvaṇa only briefly. (03-262-5)
Enough, having approached Rāma; I truly know his strength. For indeed, who can withstand the force of that great-souled one's arrows? (03-262-6)
Indeed, my reason for renunciation is he alone, O bull among men. By whom was this mouth of destruction declared to you, by the evil-minded? (03-262-7)
Then Rāvaṇa, rebuking him angrily, said: "If you do not obey my command, death is certainly inevitable for you." (03-262-8)
Mārīca thought, 'Death is better than the superior option. Therefore, since death is certain, I will do whatever is his wish.' (03-262-9)
Then Mārīca replied to the lord of the rākṣasas: "Whatever help you desire from me, I shall do that, even though I am powerless." (03-262-10)
The ten-headed Rāvaṇa said to him, "Go and tempt Sītā by assuming the form of a deer with jeweled horns and a body covered in jeweled markings and fur." (03-262-11)
Certainly, Sītā will urge Rāma after carefully observing you. And when Rāma (Kākutstha) has left, Sītā will become submissive. (03-262-12)
Taking her away, I will take her. After that, he will not exist. On account of wife-separation, that evil-minded one—give this help for me. (03-262-13)
Having been thus addressed, Mārīca—having then performed the water-rite for himself—greatly distressed, followed Rāvaṇa who was going ahead. (03-262-14)
Then, both of them went to the hermitage of Rāma, whose actions are effortless, and carried out everything just as had been previously agreed upon. (03-262-15)
But Rāvaṇa, having become an ascetic—shaven-headed, carrying a water-pot, and holding the triple staff—and Mārīca, having become a deer, both approached that place. (03-262-16)
Mārīca, taking the form of a deer, showed himself to Sītā. Urged by fate, she pressed Rāma to seek it for her. (03-262-17)
Rāma, swiftly doing what was pleasing to her, took up his bow, left Lakṣmaṇa behind for her protection, and set off with the desire to capture the deer. (03-262-18)
He, carrying bow, having his quiver fastened, and equipped with sword, arm-guard, and finger-protector, Rāma chased the deer just as Rudra once chased Tārā the deer. (03-262-19)
He, having become invisible, the demon again going to remain in his sight traversed a great distance; then Rama perceived him. (03-262-20)
Raghava, knowing him to be a demon in the guise of a deer, and being intelligent, took up an unfailing arrow and killed him. (03-262-21)
Struck by Rāma's arrow, he then imitated Rāma's voice and cried out in distress, 'Alas, O Sītā, O Lakṣmaṇa!' (03-262-22)
Vaidehi heard his pitiable voice, and then she ran toward where the sound came from; then Lakshmana spoke to her. (03-262-23)
Stop worrying, O timid one; who can overcome Rama? In a moment, O pure-smiling one, you will see Rama himself coming. (03-262-24)
Having thus spoken, she wept and was filled with suspicion toward her husband's younger brother. Though her ornament was pure character, she was undone by the nature of woman. (03-262-25)
She, the virtuous and devoted wife, was about to speak harsh words to him, but said, "This is not the time, O deluded one, for whom you long in your heart." (03-262-26)
Even I might take up a weapon and kill myself, or throw myself from a mountain peak, or enter the fire. (03-262-27)
Having given up Rāma, my husband, never would I attend upon you who are inferior—just as a tigress would not serve a jackal. (03-262-28)
Having heard such speech, Lakṣmaṇa, the dear Rāghava, displaying good conduct by closing both his ears, set out in the direction where Rāma had gone. He, the bow-bearing one, taking the path of Rāma, advanced. (03-262-29)
Meanwhile, the demon Rāvaṇa, evil at heart but appearing auspicious, appeared like fire hidden under ashes, disguised as an ascetic and intent on abducting the blameless Sītā. (03-262-30)
Seeing him arrive, the righteous daughter of Janaka then invited him with offerings of fruits, roots, and similar foods. (03-262-31)
Having disregarded all that, and having assumed his own form, the foremost of the Rākṣasas thus conciliated Vaidehī. (03-262-32)
O Sītā, I am Rāvaṇa, the king of the rākṣasas, renowned by name. My pleasant city, Laṅkā by name, stands across the great ocean. (03-262-33)
There, you will shine among excellent women together with me. Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped lady, and abandon the ascetic Rāghava. (03-262-34)
Hearing such words, then Sītā, Jānakī, with beautiful hips, covered her ears and said, "Not so." (03-262-35)
Even if the starry sky should fall, the earth were to be shattered, or fire turned cold, I would never abandon Raghunandana (Rama). (03-262-36)
How indeed could a female elephant, dwelling in the lotus pond and moving about the forest with a broken trunk, upon encountering the great elephant, touch a boar? (03-262-37)
How indeed, after drinking mādhvika and also sweet mādhavī wine, would any woman feel greed for sauvīraka? Keep this in mind. (03-262-38)
Thus, having spoken to him, she entered her hermitage again; Rāvaṇa, having followed the fair-hipped woman, restrained her. (03-262-39)
But after rebuking her harshly with his voice, and while she had lost consciousness, he seized her by the hair and then ascended into the sky. (03-262-40)
Then Jatayu, the vulture who moves among mountains, saw her—the ascetic lady—being carried away, crying 'Rama, Rama'. (03-262-41)
