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"!
Summary
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"!