Maricha

In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Maricha, or Mareecha (Sanskrit: मारीच, IAST: Mārīca), Indonesian: Marica, Malay: Martanja, Tamil: Marichan, Thai: มารีจ Mareet) is a rakshasa (demon), who is killed by Rama, the hero of the epic and an avatar of God Vishnu. He is mentioned as an uncle of Ravana, the antagonist of the epic. His most notable exploit is his role in the kidnapping of Sita, Rama's wife.

Cursed to be a rakshasa along with his mother Tataka and brother Subahu, Maricha initially led his life terrorizing sages. He was defeated by Rama at the behest of the sage Vishvamitra. He tried again to kill Rama, but had to run for his life again. Ultimately, Maricha assumed the form of a golden deer and helped Ravana kidnap Sita.

Early life

In his previous life, Maricha was a servant of Jaya-Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of God Vishnu. Once, displeased by his conduct, he was cursed by Vishnu to be born on earth as a rakshasa, but he be freed of the curse and return to Vaikunta, once he is killed by Rama, Vishnu's avatar.