Demon Maricha In Ramayana - He Was Gatekeeper In Vaikunta - Story Of

Maricha was the son of demons Sunanda and Tadaka in the Ramayana. He was also the uncle of Ravana. Story of Maricha can be found in the Bala Kanda and Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. It is believed that in his previous birth, Maricha was a gatekeeper in the Vaikunta and was cursed to be born as a Rakshasa. He was promised that he will get relief from curse when he will be killed by Sri Rama in the Treta Yuga.

Maricha Defeated By Bhagavan Sri Ram

Maricha was born as a terrible demon in the Treta Yuga and he harassed the saints in the Dandaka Forest. He continued with his adharmic activities until Sri Ram appeared in Treta Yuga. He faced the power of the arrows of Sri Ram and Lakshman when he attempted to disrupt a yajna of Vishwamitra. The Yajna was protected by the two brothers and for the first time Maricha experienced defeat and learned about higher powers.

Change In Character Of Maricha

After this incident, there was change in the character of Maricha, he grew matted hair and spend his life in an ashram. He stopped all kinds of evil activities. He followed the path of Dharma.

Maricha Convinces Ravana Not To Fight Sri Rama

After the death of Demon Khara, Ravana arrives at the Ashram of Maricha. In the discussion that follows, Maricha convinces Ravana not to attack Rama.

Ravana Convinces Maricha To Fight Rama

The second meeting between Maricha and Ravana takes place after Surpanakha complains about Sri Ram and Lakshman cutting her nose. He also hears about the beautiful Mata Sita. But this time Maricha is not able to convince Ravana.

Maricha Takes Form Of Golden Deer

Ravana makes Maricha take the form of a golden deer. Maricha takes the form saying to Ravana he knows that he will never escape from the arrow of Rama.

Mata Sita who saw the golden deer wanted it. Rama gave it a chase. After sometime Rama felt something suspicious and shot at the deer. It fell down shouting ‘Ha Lakshmana’ in the voice of Rama. The cry was to mislead Lakshman and Mata Sita.

Maricha Gains His Position In Heaven

Marachia died at hands of Rama and regained his position of the guard in Vaikunta.