Image title: Children’s Illustrated Ramayana: Figure 24

Maricha, another rakshasa, would take the form of a beautiful golden deer and go to Panchavati. He would stray near Rama's cottage. On seeing the enchanting deer, Sita was certain to ask the princes to get it alive for her. The deer would disappear into the forest luring the princes away. At this moment, Ravana would appear at the cottage and carry off Sita.

Maricha knew that if he refused to obey Ravana he would be killed. To lure Rama also meant certain death. If: that was the choice, Maricha thought, it was better to die at the hands of Rama and go to heaven.

The moment Sita saw the golden deer she wanted it for a pet. Rama asked Lakshmana to look after Sita and went after the magic creature.

Gallery information:

These illustrations are from the book called “Children's Illustrated Ramayana” which is an abridged retelling of the Ramayana authored by Vishnu B while the illustrations are by Vipin K. Das.

Note: You can read the full English translation of the Ramayana on this site.

Source: archive.org (external link; opens in new tab).