Encyclopedia for Epics of Ancient India

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Maricha

Read about Maricha at Wikipedia

MARICHA. [Source: Dowson's Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology] A Rakshasa, son of Taraka.

According to the Ramayana he interfered with a sacrifice which was being performed by Vishvamitra, but was encountered by Rama, who discharged a weapon at him, which drove him one hundred yoyanas out to sea.

He was afterwards the minister of Ravana, and accompanied him to the hermitage where Rama and Sita were dwelling. There, to inveigle Rama, he assumed the shape of a golden deer, which Rama pursued and killed. On receiving his death-wound he resumed a Rakshasa form and spake, and Rama discovered whom he had killed. In the meanwhile Ravana had carried off Sita.


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