Sita in Ashoka Grove

Sita sat in the grove, below a tree crying for Rama. She refused to touch any food or drink.
In the heaven Brahma was disturbed. If Sita dies of hunger, that would make things difficult. He gave a bowl of kheer to Indra, and asked him to give it to Sita.

Indra went to Sita. He said when Rama and Lakshmana went to catch a deer for you, Ravana brought you over here. Do not worry. Rama will cross the ocean with this army and will destroy all here.

Sita took the bowl from Indra and ate that. With that, her thirst and hunger vanished.

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While Sita was grieving thus, Rama started his journey homewards.

Ravana and Jatayu

From a distance, Jatayu, son of Garuda, heard Sita's cries. He got up, flew up in the sky to see what was happening. He saw Ravana carrying away Sita. Jatayu was aware of all the big warriors on the planet, and he could recognize Ravana. He flew towards Ravana and covered the chariot with his wing span. He started hitting Ravana with his wings.
He said Ravana, why do you carry away Rama's wife? Rama never had any intention of taking over anything of yours. Surpanakha had gone to Rama to have him for her self. She got herself mutilated because of her own fault. I am old now and my beak is not as sharp as it used to be, else I would have torn you to shreds.
Jatayu kept attacking Ravana with his wings, beak and claws. Going up in the sky, hew saw Rama in a distance. With renewed energy, he broke Ravana;s chariot. He attacked Ravana and clawed off flesh from his back. With his beak, he killed the charioteer.
Ravana wanted to do something. He kept Sita on the ground and then attacked the bird. Sita wanted to run away but she did not know what direction to go in. She was in the midst of a thick forest. Not knowing what to do, she started crying, which saddened the Gods.
Jatayu was tired. He would sit for sometime on a branch, take some rest, breathe and then attack Ravana again.
Seeing the bird tired, Ravana with his magic, made the chariot whole again. He swooped Sita back into the chariot and started off, on his way to Lanka.
Jatayu, gathering some strength, attacked again.
Ravana said Why do you want to give up your life for someone who is not yours.
This did not stop Jatayu, and both kept shouting at each other and the attacks continued.
Jatayu attacked Ravana and dashed his gems-adorned crown on the ground. Having had a boon from the Gods, Ravana did not die, The bird started clawing at the other heads of Ravana and started tearing at his hair.
Having Sita clasped in one hand, Ravana was not able to use his weapons. He quickly put Sita down on the ground. Raising his bow, he started shooting arrows at the bird.
The bird, with arrows striking it, still fought on.
Ravana seeing the bird would not give up, cut off the wings of the bird with a crescent shaped arrow.
The bird fell on the ground.
Sita came to the bird and bowed down before him. She said because of me, you are dying. Know that, I am born to destroy Ravana and because of me, he will die. You will live till you see my lord. Tell him Ravana has taken me away. Tell him that Ravana is taking me across the ocean to his Lanka.
Jatayu said I fought as much as I could. Do not worry. Rama will rescue you.
Ravana laughed hearing this. He grabbed Sita and put her back in the chariot. He wanted to escape before Rama turned up.
The chariot started with Ravana and Sita.
Sita started tearing off her ornaments and started throwing them around, in the hope Rama is able to trace his way.
They passed over the mountain called Rishyamukha. Sita hurled some ornaments there. Sugriva was sitting there with Nala, Nila, Jambuvana and Hanumana. Sita called out them and told them to tell Rama, if they saw him, that Ravana was carrying away his Sita.
Hanuman said this time to teach Ravana a lesson. Hearing this, Ravana increased his speed.

Ravana went southwards. There Ravana came face to face with Suparshva, son of Sampati. Sampati was the brother of Jatayu. He was huge in size, and his wing span covered the entire ocean. He did not know that Ravana had mortally wounded Jatayu, else Ravana would have died that day.

Sita started crying out, taking the name of Rama which was heard by Suprashva.

Ravana said I live in Lanka and I have no enemity with you. Why do you want to attack me?

The bird left Ravana alone. Ravana then crossed the ocean and landed in Lanka. Ravana started thinking where to keep Sita. Some rakshasas came and told Ravana that Rama and killed many rakshasas in the forest. Ravana said you should be ashamed that you fear a mere human being.

Pointing out to Sita, Ravana said Please see the city of Lanka. There is no other city like this. All this will be yours, including me. Just tell me what you want.

Sita said she could not think of anyone other than Rama. Rama was her life.

Angry Ravana took her to a grove of Ashoka trees and kept her there. He asked a few rakshasa women to guard Sita and convince her to accept him. Surpanakha came there. She wanted to kill Sita but fearing her brother, she just abused her.

Ravana kidnaps Sita

With a cloth bag over his shoulder, Ravana was clad in saffron clothes. He was Sita and instantly attracted towards her. He asked her who she was and what she was doing in the forest. Sita, knowing this to be a wandering beggar told him who she was. She told him to wait and said Lakshmana would be coming back soon and then she would give away some alms. She said No one ever went away from Rama's hut, empty handed. She then asked the beggar who he was.
He said his name was Ravana and he was the younger brother of Kubera. He was living in the forest, spending his time, meditating. He said he was hungry and asked for some food.Rama and Lakshmana could get late and he needed to have a bath and start his meditation.
Sita said she had a few fruits in the house and she would give that to him, if he came inside.
Ravana said he was under an oath and he would not enter anyone's house. He said if she would come out and give something then he would accept it, else he would go away.
Sita thought it would not be good to displease a guest. Sita stepped out with the fruits.
The moment Sita had crossed the circle drawn by Lakshmana, Ravana caught Sita's hand. Sita shouted at him to leave her hand. She said if he did not leave her, his entire dynasty would be destroyed.
Ravana then said listen to me. I am Ravana, king of Lanka. I came here in the guise of a beggar. Enticed by you, I want to take you along with me. The other wives of mine, will become your maids. Rama has not given you anything but sorrow. Come with me, and you will live like a queen. Humans like Rama are like insects in front of me.You are beautiful and your beauty will light up Lanka.

Sita started abusing Ravana. You are evil. You do not know what is correct. In from of lion like Rama, you are a mere fox. Would you have been able to touch me if either Rama or Lakshmana were here. You have deceived me, seeing I am alone.
Sita was shaking in anger.
Ravana took his own self.
He said Rama who wears bark and leaves is nothing in front of me., You will see how I take care of you.
Sita said Because of me you will die. I am the daughter of great Janaka and the daughter in law of Dashratha. It is surprising that a Rakshasa captures me and takes me away.
Sita started shouting out for help. Rama, if you can hear me, save me. O brother Lakshmana, help me.

Ravana pulled Sita into his chariot. Fearing that Rama might come soon, Ravana started the chariot.

Sita called out to the Gods. She said tell Rama that Sita has been kidnapped by Ravana. She said to the trees and creepers, tell Rama that Ravana is taking me away.

Ravana tried to console her, and Sita said if I knew a rakshasa was coming, I would have never stepped outside the hut. If only I had listened to Lakshmana and not told him to go.

Ravana said Stop worrying. Gems and Riches await you.

Sita said Do not say this. You will die soon.

Sita rebukes Lakshmana

Sita heard the voice of Rama calling for help. She asked Lakshmana to go and help Rama. He is calling out and seems to be in pain. Go fast and help your brother.
Lakshmana said Rama would soon be back. Do not fear for Rama.This is not Rama but someone lese. Do not fear for Rama, Mother, as there is no one who can hurt or harm Rama. Even if Rama is hurt, he will not shout for help. Also it is not safe to leave you alone in the hut.

Sita refused to listen. She started hitting her head. She said : A step brother is never one's own. It seems you have intentions towards me. Bharata took the throne, now you are here to take the wife. You may have made a truce with Bharata. Liten then, if ever I feel my mind is swaying towards someone other than Rama, I will kill myself at that instant.

With no ill will, Lakshmana said Let all be witness. I have no evil intentions.

Sita would not listen and said I will kill myself and you will be responsible for that.

Lakshmana then went outside the hut and drew a circle around the hut. He then said : Do not say anything harsh anymore. Also, do not step outside this circle.

Sita was in tears. Lakshmana then left in search of Rama.

Ravana seeing this as an opportunity, He took the guise of a beggar and went towards Sita's hut.

The Golden Deer

They came down from the flying chariot and landed in a clearing. Ravana then asked Maricha to take the form of a deer. Maricha transformed himself into a deer. The deer was golden in color and had a very soft skin. Its hooves were white in color. Its horns looked radiant. It glowed as if it was the Sun itself.

Ravana hid in the forest watching. Maricha went towards the hut of Rama. On the way, seeing his own reflection he was amazed. He saw Rama and Sita sitting and went and stood close by. It was as if the Gods had created this deer to test Sita and destroy Ravana.

Sita said to Rama, If you do not mind, I want to ask for something. Please get me this deer. I want to use its skin as a mat to sit on.

Rama hearing this called Lakshmana. He said You see that wonderful deer. It is unlike any animal I have ever seen. Sita wants the skin of this deer. What do you think of this?

Lakshmana seeing the deer said, I heard of rakshasa who are capable of taking any shape. I think this is one of those, who will entice you to follow it, take you deep in the forest and then kill and eat you. I have heard of Maricha. He knows this skill. It could be him.

Rama said Do not fear. Even if it is Maricha, I will kill him. If it is a deer, I will get it for Sita, who will keep it as a pet. If I am not able to capture it, I will kill and get the skin for Sita. I will now go behind the deer. Guard Sita while I am away.

Ravana, hiding, heard all this. He started makes plans to kidnap Sita.

Rama got ready. Taking his bow and arrows, he started following the deer.

Maricha thought, If I run away, Ravana will kill me. If I stay here, Rama will kill me. He started running around, with Rama slowly following it. When Rama would get close, it would run.

Rama realized that this was not a deer but a demon. He got a sharp arrow and shot that. It hit Maricha in his chest. Taking his own floor, he started rolling on the forest floor. Thinking of doing a good task for Ravana, he started shouting for help, in Rama's voice. Calling to Lakshmana in Rama's voice, he said The demons are all around. I need you to help me. Please come fast.

Rama realized he had come deep in the forest and some trouble was brewing. He took out the arrow, and hurried back towards his hut.

Maricha tries to convince Ravana again

Medicines will have no effect on one who is gravely sick. Maricha's words had no effect on Ravana. Ravana became angry and said : It is you, who has lost his mind. You are praising a human in front of me. If I kill you now, who will save you? All in this world fear me. I have come to you. Instead of being happy, you are saying unpleasant things to me. Even if my beloved God, Shiva,  tells me not to bring Sita, I will still bring her over. Entice Rama and take him far. I will then seize Sita and bring her over. You have nothing to fear with me around.

Maricha said , By kidnapping Sita you will be inviting destruction. You have forcibly kidnapped may women. You have not learnt anything from that. This is the time for you to now let go of all attachments. Even if I go and entice Rama with my magic, Sita will not be alone, she will have Lakshmana at home. I again ask you to go back and not think of Sita. Tell people that you went to get Sita but were not successful. Think of my words. 

Ravana did not listen. He ordered Maricha to follow him. Climbing in his chariot, Ravana and Maricha went Northwards.

Ravana goes to Maricha

Next day Ravana stepped out of the palace. His charioteer got the Pushpaka chariot for him. Pushpaka was a chariot like no other, which was pulled by the wind. There were eight flying horses tied to the chariot. The chariot was studded with gems and could travel at lightning speeds.

Ravana climbed on, and in no time the chariot crossed many lands, rivers, the ocean and came to a forest full of large banyan trees. In that forest, Maricha was meditating. Maricha, knowing Ravana had come to him, got scared like a snake gets when it sees a large eagle.

Ravana said to Maricha : You have the strength of a thousand elephants. The Gods and other celestial beings are afraid of you. I have come to you for help. Rama, in the Dandaka forest, has killed the rakshasas living there. Brothers like Khara and Dushana are also dead. It is a shame that even though you are alive, such a thing could happen. Surpanakha has had her ears and nose cut. I can go with Meghnad and fight Rama, but before that I have come to you for help. I have heard Rama has a very beautiful wife. I have come to you to help me kidnap that wife of Rama.

Hearing this, Maricha said : Alas Ravana, you are surrounded by people who are giving you wrong advise. If you kidnap Sita, Rama's wife, your city of Lanka will be destroyed. Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana will be dead. Your sons will die. Lanka is a beautiful city, why do you want to destroy it. I beg of you, save Lanka and its inhabitants. Lakshmi stays with one who had good advisers. Sita knows only Rama and she will never accept you. Let your sons live long. Sita has not harmed you, so why do you want to harm her?

Ravana said, this is my order. Take the shape of a deer and go to Rama. Entice Rama away and I will kidnap Sita.

Maricha said he will go as a deer and will invite death. First it would be his death and then it would be Ravana's death.
He said, Before you take a decision, I request you to talk to Vibhishana. He will tell you what you should be doing.  If asks you to bring Sita, then bring her. Rama is Narayana. Do not grieve for Surpanakha's condition or for the death of Khara and Dushana. Think of yourself. I know you, O King and I see differences between you and Rama. You are proud. Rama is humble. I have come to forest here, leaving my family, because of Rama. Listen to me, and let go the thought of Sita.