The Golden Deer and Sita's Abduction

1. Ravana ordered Maricha to help lure Rama away from the cottage. Maricha warned that opposing Rama would bring disaster.
2. Ravana threatened Maricha until he agreed to take part. Maricha knew the plan was wrong but lacked the courage to refuse.
3. Maricha became a deer shining with gold and jewels and wandered near Panchavati. Sita gazed at the unusual creature in amazement.
4. Sita asked Rama to gently catch the beautiful deer. Rama followed it while Lakshmana stayed to guard Sita: even something that shines beautifully can hide danger.
5. The golden deer kept appearing and disappearing among the trees. Rama realized that it was a magical trick.
6. Rama released an arrow, and Maricha returned to his rakshasa form. With his last breath he imitated Rama's voice and called for Lakshmana.
7. Hearing the cry, Sita feared that Rama was in danger. Lakshmana knew Rama could not be overcome, but Sita begged him to go.
8. Lakshmana did not want to leave Sita alone, but her anxious words made him follow Rama. In danger, it is especially important to listen to someone who is trying to protect us.
9. Ravana approached dressed like a wandering ascetic and asked for hospitality. Sita welcomed him respectfully without knowing who he was.
10. Ravana praised his own power and demanded that Sita come to Lanka. She firmly refused and declared her unbreakable devotion to Rama.
11. Ravana seized Sita and lifted her into his flying chariot. She called the names of Rama and Lakshmana and dropped her ornaments as signs.
12. The old vulture king Jatayu heard Sita's cries and rose to defend her. Though aged, he would not ignore someone in danger.
13. Jatayu broke Ravana's bow and damaged the chariot with beak and claws. For a moment Sita saw hope.
14. Ravana struck Jatayu down and continued south toward Lanka. The wounded bird stayed alive so he could tell Rama what happened.
15. Ravana placed Sita in the ashoka grove under guard, but she would not accept him. Alone among flowering trees, she remembered Rama without interruption.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11