Mareecha went with Ravana in the Pushpaka Vimana to the place where Panchavati was situated. Mareecha transformed himself into a beautiful golden deer. The magical deer began to frolic near the hut of Rama and Seeta, sometimes grazing and sometimes running towards the water. Suddenly, the movement of the deer caught Seeta’s eyes and she was fascinated by the beautiful creature and its glossy and golden coat. She longed to possess that deer.
Seeta drew Rama’s and Lakshmana’s attention to the golden deer 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 fulfil her wish. “Take care of Seeta while I fetch the deer, Lakshmana,” said Rama, as he took his bow and arrows and went out to follow the deer.
The magical deer vanished into the dense forest. Rama pursued it as it wove in and out among the trees. The deer led him far away from Panchavati. When the deer thought Rama was tired out, he paused, allowing Rama to shoot an arrow at it. Carefully, Ram shot the arrow. The arrow hit the target accurately. But what’s that? The deer then turned into a demon and fell down to the earth and shouted—Oh! Seeta! Lakshmana! Save!
Seeta heard the cry and was very upset. “Rama is in need of help, Lakshmana! Please go immediately to him!” she ordered. Lakshmana hesitated as he was certain that the voice could not be Rama’s. He said to Seeta, “Don’t worry, mother. Brother Rama cannot be in trouble. He will come back safely.”
Lakshmana’s remarks made Seeta angry. She stated curtly, “Don’t you hear the wailing of your brother? Do you want to possess me after having him killed? But this can’t happen. I shall give up my body in a trice.” Hurt by her words, Lakshmana made up his mind to go out. He drew a line around the hut and requested her not to step beyond it for any reason whatsoever.
