The presence of Ravana is felt for the first time in the journey of Rama when he came to know the news of slain of demon army and their leader Khara in the hands of Rama. Ravana is not going to leave this huge slaughter in Janasthana pass without striking a revenge. This sets for a clash of ages which slowly evolves into a plot, turning into action in next many chapters. Akampana and Surpanakha had already informed the godly capabilities of Sri Rama to Ravana which has been seen by the way of describing the havoc wreaked upon the Rakshasas. Surpanakha also fiercely asks to take revenge and coerces Ravana to marry Sita. Thus, the might of Rama and grace of Sita has been instilled in Ravana by now who also has his sight on vengeance. It can be seen how this invincible demon will act against this backdrop as he approaches Maricha to plot for his first encounter with the holy trio.
In chapter 35, Ravana proceeds to Maricha seeking his help in the abduction of Seetha. He travels by his aircraft-like chariot and on way he sees many locations along the seacoast that are affluent and divine. On seeing a banyan tree Ravana recollects the episode of Garuda, the Divine Eagle. He arrives at the hermitage of Maricha.
Surpanakha's fiery speech ended and Ravana pondered over what he should do to meet this unforeseen situation. He soon came to a decision and walked alone to the royal stables. The charioteer brought him a chariot embellished with gold and gems, a symbol of prosperity befitting the brother of Kubera, the Lord of wealth. Harnessed with donkeys, the chariot sped towards the ocean. Ravana, the enemy of the devatas and curse of the sages looked magnificent with his ten heads, twenty arms and earrings of burnished gold. He resembled the Lord of the Mountains as he went forth like lightning towards a destiny that seemed to beckon him. The vibrant seashore resounded with the call of cranes and swans. Those who had conquered the world by their austerities flew the skies in their aerial cars, festooned with flowers and echoing with the soft strains of divine music. Countless forests of sandalwood came into sight and their delightful fragrance filled the air. Herbs to cure and spices to tickle the palate grew in abundance. Pepper, nutmeg, mace and a myriad more of their family flourished in the sunny land. There were also heaps of pearls and conch shells. Coral piles lent their russet charm, to the glorious panorama that unfolded before the Lord of Lanka. One enchanting scene gave way to another even more breath taking. Mountains of gold and silver, limpid pools, cascading water falls and gurgling streams, decorated those shores. Cities prospered with riches and their streets were filled with elephants, horses and chariots. Beautiful women walked along, where even the winds blew softly and caressingly. It was an unending parade of the most exotic scenes of nature that were like glimpses of paradise. In the midst of all this there was a mammoth banyan tree whose branches stretched a hundred yojanas in every direction. This was the tree on which in ancient times Garuda had landed, holding his prey of a tortoise and an elephant, in each claw. It was then that the branch broke under the weight. Lest it hurt the people below, Garuda, flew down to catch it. He then flew away, holding the branch, the tortoise and the elephant in his claws. Later Garuda used this monstrous branch to destroy the Nishadas, who want to persecute the sages. Garuda's joy was boundless at being able to serve the holy men. The massive banyan tree known as Subhadra still shelters many seers and sages. Reaching the far end of the seashore Ravana beheld an ashram nestling amidst forest greenery where he saw Maricha clad in deerskin. Welcoming Ravana with affection, Maricha asked him the reason for his visit.
In chapter 36, Ravana seeks Maricha's help to abduct Seetha. He asks Maricha to assume the shape of a golden-deer and lure Seetha, and then Sita asks Rama and Lakshmana to fetch that golden-deer. If Rama and Lakshmana are distracted from the hermitage, Ravana can safely abduct Seetha.
Listening to this Maricha is struck dead, because he is already struck with the arrow of Rama when he was in Tataka forest. As such, Maricha tries to explain Ravana about Rama's quintessence.
Ravana said "Maricha, I have come to you in great distress, you are my only savior. You know that many rakshasas inhabit Janasthana. Ruled by Khara and commanded by me they spend their lives hounding and harassing the sages who live there. But now those dreaded heroes and their leaders are no more. In a battle with Rama, entire armies of rakshasas along with Khara, Dooshana and Trisira have perished rendering Janasthana a safe haven. That wretched Kshatriya, victim of his father's anger, has come along with his wife to live in this forest. Death beckons him perhaps. Rama is a man without character. Slave of his senses, pitiless, fickle and foolish, he revels in the misery of others. Without enmity he has disfigured Surpanakha. I will now get his wife, famed to be the most beautiful. For this I need your help, your valor is unrivaled, and your battle skills are incomparable and you are a master magician. Transform yourself into a golden deer, dappled with silver spots and go to the place where Sita lives. Enchanted by you, she will want Rama and Lakshmana to capture you. With them out of the way, I can abduct Sita. Pining for her, Rama will be drained of his strength and I can then kill him with ease and without fear." The name of Rama startled Maricha. His mouth went dry and a great fear gripped him. Wetting his dry lips, he went still as though petrified. Having experienced Rama's prowess in the past at Dandaka he was panic stricken. He wanted to tell Ravana the truth that would do them both good.
In chapter 37, Maricha advises Ravana to stay away from Rama with his own unpleasant experience with Rama's arrow when he was in Tataka forest, and portrays a gruesome picture of Rama to Ravana, asking him to not to meddle with Rama's affairs.
To detract Ravana from the pursuit of evil, Maricha pleaded, "My Lord, many are those who flatter. Flattery is born out of selfishness and not out of love. Rare are those who provide wise counsel but rarer are kings who heed those words. You are careless and your informers are incompetent. Without information how can you know your enemy? Of Rama and his outstanding virtues, you have no comprehension. You are not aware that he is an equal of Indra and Varuna. Ravana, will the asuras ever be safe on this earth? Rama in his rage will rid the world of them. Is Sita, the daughter of Janaka born for your destruction? Will I also be imperiled because of her? Ruled by a king like you, who are prey to every passing passion, will not Lanka fall to ruin? Dasaratha did not abandon Rama. Your allegations are false. Rama is compassion incarnate and an embodiment of dharma. Kaikeyi brought about the banishment of Rama, who took it upon himself to redeem his father's pledge to Kaikeyi. That is the reason for his being in Dandaka." Sita is a jewel among women, and her chastity is her protection. Why do you try to separate her from Rama? They are as inseparable as the Sun and its light. You are playing with fire, for Rama's prowess is incredible and Sita is beyond your reach. Your life will end the day you face Rama on the battlefield. If you are to prosper do not harm Rama. Seek Vibhishana's advice and that of your counsellors'. Be honest; take stock of your strength and that of Rama. May you resolve to be judicious, war with Rama is unwise. He loves Sita more than life itself and she is his devoted wife. Ravana, if you wish to enjoy your life, your comforts and your kingdom forget Rama.
In chapter 38, Maricha continues his good word to Ravana and he dissuades him from abducting Sita. His advice is that the dalliance with other's wives is the greatest sin, more so, with Rama's wife as Rama's valour is irrefutable. Maricha narrates how Rama hurt him while safeguarding Vishwamitra's Vedic-ritual, when Rama was still a young boy.
Maricha went on to advice Ravana, "Many years ago, with a mountainous form and the might of a thousand elephants, I was an awesome figure. With club in hand, golden rings in my ears and a crown on my head, I trod the pathless jungles of Dandaka striking terror into every human heart. The flesh of ascetics was my food, their blood my drink and their torment my sport. It was then that Visvamithra fearing me went to request king Dasaratha to send Rama with him for the protection of his yagas. Alarmed at the request the king pleaded, "Let me and my army go instead. Rama is a mere boy and inexperienced in wielding arms." But Visvamithra insisted that Rama alone could slay me. Soon the sacrificial rites began and Rama stood guard. Though a mere boy of twelve, the entire forest glowed with his presence. His eyes were like the soft petals of the lotus and his brilliance was like that of the Sun. "It was then that I, like an ominous storm cloud forced myself into the hermitage. Steeped in arrogance, deeming myself invincible by the boons of Brahma, I brushed aside Rama whom I considered insignificant and rushed towards the sacred fire. That very instant an arrow of that master archer put an end to my foolish cavorting. The impact hurled me a hundred miles away into the ocean. I lived because Rama mercifully did not want to kill me, I lay there on the ocean bed in a daze until I recovered and reached Lanka. Rama was then only a boy. He spared me but killed my two companions. Not only do you court disaster for yourself by this misadventure but will endanger the entire asura world. The people of Lanka live in luxury; they dress lavishly, their jewels dazzle and their life is full of feasts and festivity. All this will end the day Rama attacks Lanka, its magnificent mansions will go up in flames and your kingdom will be reduced to cinders. There is no greater sin than that of coveting the wife of another. You have a thousand wives, be happy with them. Ravana, save your race, your honor, your wealth and your life. Abduction of Sita will spell your doom. In your insolence you embark on a mindless mission, which is not only impertinent but also sinful. It is dangerous to provoke Rama. Heed me, as a friend I implore you, refrain from these foolhardy ventures. Enmity with Rama will be your ruin.”
In chapter 39, Maricha further advises Ravana to avoid confrontation with Rama for it would be ruinous to the entire demonic race. He narrates another episode of his misadventure with Rama and how he escaped from the all-pursuant arrow of Rama.
Maricha continued, with his tireless pleading in trying to make Ravana see reason, "Rama as a boy had mercifully spared me. Of recent happenings, I will now tell you. Listen Ravana and do not interrupt me. After my foolish escapade, undaunted and with no trace of remorse, I was back in Dandaka with two of my fellow beings. I transformed myself into a deer, with a large body and deadly fangs. I foraged through the jungles, killing the sages drinking their blood and devouring their flesh. One day I chanced upon Rama who was in ascetic garb. I also saw Sita, the beautiful daughter of Janaka and Lakshmana the powerful warrior. Full of contempt for my old enemy who had turned an ascetic I lunged towards Rama, horns lowered and with intent to gore him to death. My imprudence proved disastrous. In a flash he shot three deadly arrows, which came at us whistling like the whirling winds. I fled, but the other two fell to their fury. Though capable of relentless chase, his arrows would spare those running for their lives. Saved from the jaws of death, I ceased to be a beast and now live the life of an ascetic. I see Rama everywhere with bow in hand; to me he looks like the God of Death. In my fear I see the whole forest filled with him. I see him in my dreams, I see him in my waking moments and I see him even where he is not. Such is the terror that he has struck in me that the very sound "Ra" alarms me, for I know of what it means. If you insist on taking revenge, fight Rama. If you want peace, bear with him. If you want to see me alive, do not even think of uttering his name in my presence. Just as fish that live in a snake infested lake fall prey to Garuda, the good suffer for the deeds of the wicked. I too may have to die because of you rakshasa! Rama cannot be blamed for slaying Khara who brought ruin upon himself by his sinful actions. I caution you against your evil plan. Despite my advice if you still try to abduct Sita, you, your kinsmen and your race will meet an inevitable doom.”
In chapter 40, Ravana rebuts Maricha for giving an unasked advice and details his plan to abduct Seetha. Ravana intimidates Maricha that he himself will kill Maricha immediately if his orders are disobeyed, and Maricha may perhaps have no opportunity to die at the hands of Rama.
Just as man at death's door refuses medicine, so did Ravana refuse Maricha's advice. Ravana's rebuff was harsh and his stance obstinate as he went on, "Maricha your advice is as useless as seed sown on barren ground. You cannot persuade me against my plan. Rama is pitiful and foolish. To the whims of a capricious woman of no consequence, he has abandoned his kingdom, his kin, his friends and parents. Also let it be known that I am invincible. I do not seek your advice about the merit or demerit of my mission or its hazards. My decision is made Maricha. Even as you look on, I will steal Sita, who is more precious to Rama than his own life. Neither the devatas nor their Lord can shake my resolve. Did I seek your counsel for you to defy me? "A learned man should offer advice only when it is sought for and even then should be given with utmost respect. Counsel should please kings and not be opposed to their wishes. Mighty rulers with their limitless powers represent the gods. You speak harshly to me, who am your guest. I have come to seek your support and not your approval. I will now tell how you can help me with my plan, so listen carefully." "Transform yourself into a golden hued deer dappled with shimmering spots of silver. Let Sita catch a glimpse of you. Fascinated by the marvel of your illusory beauty and grace, she will want you. Rama will then come after you and once out of sight, cry aloud imitating Rama's voice, 'Ah Sita! Ah Lakshmana'! Suspecting harm to Rama, Sita will send Lakshmana to his aid. With none to guard her, I will abduct Sita and for your service you shall have one half of my kingdom. Maricha, you may survive Rama's arrows but you will not live if you spurn me, so make your choice."
This concludes chapters 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 of Aranya Kanda where we had seen a bruised Ravana descending upon Maricha for help in abducting Sita. There is a lengthy counsel from Maricha against any move from Ravana and his intentions to harm Rama. Maricha, who is a demon himself is a victim of Rama’s valour twice. He was struck when trying to disrupt Viswamitra’s sacred yaga as a young Rama stand guard. This can be seen in Bala Kanda as well where he was hit by Rama’s arrows when Rama was learning in the custody of Viswamitra. Maricha was wounded again when trying to attack Rama in exile. That same Maricha who has transformed himself out of tremendous fear for Rama and living as an ascetic advises against the maneuvers of Ravana at all costs. Ravana, lost in his pride and failing to see the reality is hell bent on executing his plot and orders Maricha to help him. It can be seen how the sinister plot evolves to act of abduction in subsequent chapters.
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