Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
have myself to fulfil this wish of Sita.” At this, Lakshmana was
silenced and he sat down, as directed by Rama.
Moreover, since the subsequent scenes of the drama were known
to both Sita and Rama, Rama kept it to himself, while he said:
“Lakshmana, this forest is the dwelling place of Rakshasas… Do
not leave Sita alone, under any circumstance. This deer might
escape me and flee into the distance. I have to catch it alive; so, it
may take some time for me to accomplish this task. Or use your
intelligence and physical prowess as suits the occasion, and save
Sita from any danger that might threaten her while I am away.”
Rama shoots the fatal arrow to fell Maricha:
Rama then stalked the strange deer and went beyond sight. The
deer did not cast its looks forward, but ran fast with its head bent
backwards, its eyes cast on Rama, the pursuer! Seeing this
behaviour, Rama was delighted. Rama knew that the deer was
Maricha himself, his great devotee who had experienced and
realised the Rama Principle and the Rama Power. So Rama too
fixed his eyes on the deer and followed its gait with great
interest. The deer came within reach one moment, but it sprang
afar with one leap, to attract Rama to a little more distance.
Rama seemed to be enjoying this tantalising pursuit. But after
some time spent thus, Rama fitted an arrow on his bow and
aiming at the deer he released it straight on the target.
When the fatal arrow struck him, Maricha exclaimed in agony,
“Ha! Sita! Ha! Lakshmana!” and collapsed on the ground.
(RKRV Part II p.51-53)
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