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Continued
from yesterday’s instalment
 We have studied the conversation between Ravana and Marica and the way the latter tried to dissuade him, in our study of Marica.
'atra karaththOdu un thalai nIyE anal munnil patrinai uyyththaai.' You did not get all this so very easily. You severed your hands and heads and you offered them in the sacred fire yourself. The path that you propose to tread is dangerous, Ravana. Restrain yourself. I know who Rama is and have had a taste of his valour. I know his power. Desist from what you propose,' was the essence of what Marica advised.
But Ravana was fond of playing the game of stealth; elaborate planning, scheming, cheating and robbing. He took delight in doing so. This was essentially in the core of his being, the 'so-called greatness and the genuineness of his tender feelings towards Sits' that is attributed to him by even great scholars like Sastriyar and VVS Aiyar, notwithstanding. Otherwise, he would not have thought of bringing in
Marica.
Though Ravana's baser instincts were lying low, they had not died a complete death. The last embers remained deep in his heart and were skilfully fanned by his sister. It is Ravana who spells out the plan and suggests that Marica should assume the form of a golden deer and move about in the presence of Sita. He remarkably foretells the sequence of events that would take place once Marica appears before Sita, and instructs him what to do step-by-step.
"Wonder-struck to see you transformed into a golden deer by ding of Maya, (conjuring tricks), Sita, and (a princess of Mithila) will surely speak to Rama at once: '(Pray) fetch the deer.' Also moving to some distance, when Rama (a scion of Kakutstha) is away from his hut, exclaim in a voice similar to Rama's, 'Ah Sita, O Lakshmana!' Hearing the call and importuned by Sita (son of Sumitra) too will follow in the wake of Rama in a flurry out of affection (for his brother). When Rama and Lakshmana too are away (from their cottage) I shall bear way Sita (a princess of Videha territory) with ease as Indra (the thousand-eyed god) would take away Saci (his own consort)." (Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, Canto XL, Sloka 19-22)
 'I am trying to avenge for the death of your mother Tataka and you are turning a deaf-ear to what I propose. I am trying to avenge for the death of my brothers and the insult done to my sister. You are advising me against it,' Ravana tries to impress on Marica. Marica is not at all impressed. He knew that it was the regular strategy of Ravana to whip up passions and prick personal pride, even when the issue at hand is not at in any way connected to what is proposed to be achieved.
Not that Ravana did not foresee what would befall Marica. He knew what would occur. See how nicely he polishes the effect off and holds the carrot from the stick before this poor animal on whose back he takes a free ride. "Of course, having accomplished this work in this way, go wherever you please, O ogre! I shall confer half of my kingdom on you, O Marica of noble vows! Proceed on your auspicious journey, my good friend, for the accomplishment of this object. I shall follow at your heels in a chariot to the Dandaka forest. Having hoodwinked Rama and won Sita without any struggle, I shall for my part return to Lanka with you, my purpose being accomplished." (Ibid, Sloka 23-25)
Auspicious journey! Assurance to take Marica to Lanka along with him! And what did he do? He did not even care to stop to perform the last rites to him! He could have at least picked up the mortal remains of Marica for performing such rites at Lanka, or arranged for it through someone else. He forgot Marica the moment his purpose was achieved.
Marica also knew his fate. But he decided that it was better to die at the hands of Rama than at the hands of Ravana. He had only one question to put to Ravana.
More follows...
Published on 19th
August 2002
Hari Krishnan
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