The Golden Deer

Ravana approached the demon Maricha, who had been living the life of a saint, and sought his help in kidnapping Sita. Maricha initially refused, telling Ravana that kidnapping Sita would taint Ravana's reputation and eventually destroy the demon clan. He also recalled his close shave with Rama at Sage Vishwamitra's ashram. 

But Ravana threatened to kill Maricha if he didn't comply. Finally, Maricha relented, feeling it would be better to die at Rama's hands than at Ravana's. Together, they devised a ruse to lure Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita.

Sita spotted a peculiar deer frolicking near the cottage. It had a golden body, with horns adorned with gems and a face marked with black-and-white stripes. Its mouth resembled a pink lotus petal, while its neck and other parts were as beautiful as a blue lotus. One of its ears was blue, and the other was dark green. Its neck was delicate, its abdomen shone like the moon, and its feet gleamed like lapis lazuli. 

The golden deer captivated Sita, and she happily pointed it out to Rama and Lakshmana. "O Lord, please catch this deer for me," she pleaded with Rama. "All sorts of animals roam near our cottage, but I have never seen one like this before. The entire region is sparkling because of its beauty."

"Lakshmana, this deer has bewitched Sita's mind," said Rama. "I will catch it and bring it to her."

Lakshmana expressed his doubt that the deer may be a demon in disguise, but Rama was blinded by his desire to please Sita. He told Lakshmana to watch over her while he was gone.