Mareecha went with Ravana in the Pushpaka Vimana to the place where Panchavati was situated. Mareecha transformed himself into a beautiful golden stag. The magical deer began to frolic near the hut of Rama and Seeta, sometimes grazing and sometimes running towards the water. Seeta was plucking flowers for worship and making garlands. Suddenly, the movement of the stag caught her eye and she stopped to watch the beautiful creature. She was fascinated by its glossy, golden coat. She longed to have the deer-skin. Seeta drew Rama’s and Lakshmana’s attention to the golden stag and asked them to fetch it for her. Lakshmana felt the deer might be a demon in disguise, but Rama’s love for Seeta led him to try in order to fulfil her wish. “Take care of Seeta, while I fetch the deer, Lakshmana,” said Rama, as he took his bow and arrow to follow the golden creature.
The Golden Deer
