Maricha’s experience of Rama is exceptional. Though a rakshasa, Maricha is not only fully aware of Rama’s extraordinary valour that he had occasion to witness first-hand, but also precisely enlightened about Rama’s commitment to dharma, pointed out Sri Jamadagni in a lecture. That is why he condemns Ravana’s plan to abduct Sita to avenge Rama’s destruction of Khara, Dushana and other 14,000 rakshasas in Janasthana.
When he and his brother Subhahu are engaged in destroying the yagna performed by Vishwamitra and other sages, the young Rama and Lakshmana rout the rakshasas easily. Subhahu is killed, but Maricha is spared since Rama does not intend to kill him. Maricha is chased by Rama’s arrow to the depths of the ocean. At that time itself Maricha vows that he should have nothing to do with Rama.
Maricha has occasion to observe Rama again later during Rama’s stay in the forest in the company of the rishis. The cunning rakshasas would take the form of deer and roam around, waiting for opportune moments to cause destruction in the hermitages. Once when Maricha roams around like a deer, Rama identifies him and sends an arrow. Since Maricha turns his back and runs away, Rama’s arrow does not kill him.
Maricha is now reformed and leads an ascetic’s life in the forest, living in dread of Rama. Even the syllable ‘ra’ terrifies him with the thought of Rama. Words such as ‘ratna’, ‘ratham,’ etc. cause fear in him, he says. The trees in the forest appear as Rama to him. Maricha tells Ravana that Rama is the embodiment of dharma. He employs his strength and valour in the service of dharma. Ravana is committing grave sin by desiring Sita and the consequences would certainly be disastrous for Lanka and the rakshasas.
