In the Ramayana, Maricha is mentioned as a Rakshasa or demon and played a small but very important part. Maricha was the son of Sunda, an asura.

There is a mythological story relating to the life of Maricha. He tried to disturb Sage Vishwamitra Yajna and so for his misdeed was thrown into a remote island by the arrow of Lord Rama. Maricha became very terrified of Rama.

Maricha was living in the Forest of Dandaka which was under Ravana. Ravana wanted to kidnap Sita, the beautiful wife of Rama and told Maricha to help him in fulfilling his task. Maricha promised to help him by turning himself into a golden deer, Gazelle. Sita was enticed by the golden shine deer. She wanted to have the deer and asked Rama to catch it and bring it to her.

Lord Rama knew that the golden deer was something artificial and warned Sita that it was dangerous. But Sita was very obstinate and insisted on having it. After keeping Sita under the concern of his younger brother Laxman he goes for hunting the deer.

While chasing the deer, Rama decides from the deer`s behaviour that it is in fact false and evil. Rama after a long chase came up with the Gazelle, and shot it between the horns. The deer cried out to Sita and Laxman for help, imitating the voice of Rama.

The startled princess, Sita urged the immediate departure of Laxman. Though Laxman strongly objected to leave her alone but he was overcome by her entreaties to go to the aid of Rama. When Laxman leaves very unwillingly to look for Rama, Ravana came and succeeded in kidnapping Sita.