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The Abduction of Sita - Mareech

© Harsh Nevatia

Mareech greeted Ravana with due courtesy. "Why did you take the trouble?" he asked. "You should have sent for me."

Ravana came straight to the point. "I want to abduct Sita and you have a major role in my plan," he informed Mareech.

Mareech was taken aback. He had challenged Rama many years ago and come out second best. He had to stop this foolhardy attempt. "Abducting a woman does harm to your honour," he advised. "You are the king of the demon race. You should not resort to trickery. You have enough wives and if you need more, plenty of women will fall at your feet."

Ravana's impatience was clearly reflected on his face. Mareech saw this and changed tracks. "Strong and powerful as you are, you will be no match for Rama. If you abduct his wife he will track you down and kill you." Mareech then narrated the story of his previous meeting with Rama. Many years ago Mareech with his mother Taraka and brother Subahu haunted a forest in the northern part of India. Sage Vishwamitra had his hermitage nearby. The three demons took great pleasure in disrupting the rituals of the sage and feasting on human flesh. One day the sage returned from a visit with two young men, Rama and Lakshmana. The demons had not eaten fresh meat for some time and hence Taraka decided to kill and eat the boys. To their surprise Rama slew Taraka in no time. The brothers decided to attack at night when their strength increased manifold. Rama and Lakshmana were waiting for them. Subahu was killed on the spot. Mareech was flung thousands of miles away into the ocean. He still wondered why he did not die.

"Destiny has preserved you for a second encounter with Rama," said Ravana, smiling wryly. "I will be in Lanka with Sita even before Rama knows that she has been taken. Killing isolated demons in the forest is one thing, and defeating my army and entering Lanka is another. Do not worry about me."

Mareech was not one to give up so easily. "Rama will defeat your entire army and enter Lanka. Not only will he kill thousands of your soldiers but your kinsmen as well..."

Ravana cut him short. "Shut up and listen to my plan. You will transform yourself into a golden deer and attract Sita's attention. Sooner or later she will send the two men to capture you. Make sure that you draw them far away from their hut. I will take the opportunity and fly away with the woman."

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