The golden deer story revolves around a demon named Maricha who plays a crucial role in the abduction of Sita. Maricha, a magical demon and uncle of Ravana, transforms himself into a beautiful golden deer adorned with silver spots and glowing gems. He appears near Rama and Sita’s hermitage to lure them away.
Sita, captivated by the deer’s mesmerizing beauty, asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama chases the deer deep into the forest, realizing it is no ordinary creature but a trick. Maricha leads Rama far away from the hermitage. When Rama finally shoots the deer, Maricha, in his dying moments, mimics Rama’s voice, crying out for help.
Hearing the call, Sita urges Lakshmana to go to Rama’s aid, fearing Rama is in danger. Reluctantly, Lakshmana leaves, drawing a protective line called the Lakshman Rekha around Sita and instructing her not to cross it for her safety.
With both Rama and Lakshmana away, Ravana, disguised as a holy man, approaches Sita. Trusting the disguise, Sita crosses the protective line to offer him alms, and Ravana seizes the opportunity to abduct her, taking her to his kingdom in Lanka.
This story is a turning point in Ramayana, symbolizing deception, loyalty, and the beginning of Rama’s quest to rescue Sita.
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