Sita and the Golden Deer or Sita Suvarna Mrig

SITA SUVARNA MRIG OR SITA AND THE GOLDEN DEER: Disturbed by the mutilation of Surpanaka, Ravana decides to abduct Sita. He coaxes and convinces Maaricha, an ogre, to help him with the abduction. Although Maaricha at first refuses to help Ravana and even attempts to dissuade Ravana, he finally concedes to abetting the abduction.

Ravana directs Maaricha to assume the form of a golden deer in an attempt to entice Sita. The plan works and Sita asks Rama to capture the deer. Rama leaves the dwelling in search of the golden deer leaving Sita in the care of Lakshmana. Ravana thereafter mimics the call of Rama making Lakshmana also go in search of Sri Rama. Sita is left vulnerable setting the perfect stage for the abduction by Ravana.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts Sita trying to entice the golden deer.