As Sītā stood in the forest, her eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed affectionately at the magical deer before her. The deer, in turn, looked upon Rama’s beloved, its presence casting a radiant glow throughout the woodland. Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, was filled with wonder at this never-before-seen creature, whose body sparkled with countless gems. Now begins the forty-third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Araṇyakāṇḍa. While gathering flowers, Sītā—she of lovely hips—caught sight of the deer, whose sides shone with the hues of gold and silver. Delighted by its flawless form, which gleamed like polished gold, Sītā called out eagerly for her husband Rama and for Lakṣmaṇa, who was armed. Again and again she called, her gaze fixed intently on the enchanting animal: “Come, come quickly, O noble one, with your younger brother!” Summoned by Vaidehī’s calls, the two tigers among men, Rama and Lakṣmaṇa, looked about and finally saw the deer. At once, Lakṣmaṇa’s suspicions were aroused. He spoke, “I think this deer is none other than Maricha, the demon. Roaming the forest, delighted in the hunt, kings have been slain by this shape-shifting demon, O Rama. This is the illusion of a master of illusion; this deer form has been made by him, O tiger among men, shining like a Gandharva city. O Rāghava, such a jewel-adorned deer does not exist; Lord of the earth, this is surely an illusion, there is no doubt.” As Lakṣmaṇa spoke thus, Sītā, pure-smiling and delighted, yet deceived in her mind, interrupted him. She replied, “Noble prince, this charming deer captivates my heart; bring it to us, mighty-armed one, it will be for our play. Here at our hermitage, many auspicious-looking deer roam together—chamara, sṛmara, and others as well. Bears, herds of antelope, monkeys, and kinnaras too, O mighty-armed one, wander here, splendid in form and great in strength. But no other deer like this, O king, have I seen before—neither in brilliance, patience, nor radiance, as this foremost among deer. With its multicolored, wondrous body, like a jewel before me, illuminating the undisturbed forest, it shines like the moon. Ah, its form! Ah, its beauty! Its voice and splendor are lovely; this marvelous, variegated deer seems to steal my heart. If you capture this deer alive, it will be astonishing and inspire wonder. When our forest exile ends and we return to the kingdom, this deer will serve as an ornament in the palace. For Bharata, noble prince, for my mothers-in-law, and for me, O lord, this divine deer form will inspire wonder. If you capture this foremost deer alive, O tiger among men, its beautiful skin will be yours. If this creature is slain, I wish to worship its golden skin, laid upon the grass mat. This desire is fierce and unbefitting for women, I think; yet the form of this creature has filled me with wonder. With its golden hair, its splendid jeweled horns, its youthful sun-like color, and the brilliance of the starry path—” Even Rama’s mind was struck with wonder, hearing Sītā’s words and seeing the marvelous deer. Enchanted by its form and urged by Sītā, Rāghava, delighted, spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa: “Look, Lakṣmaṇa, at Vaidehī's eager longing; for its supreme beauty, this deer will not remain today. In the forest, in the groves of Nandana, nor in the retreats of Caitraratha—where on earth, O Saumitri, is there any deer equal to this one? Beautiful rows of hair, both against and with the grain, shine upon this deer, adorned with varied golden spots. Behold, as it yawns, its tongue—brilliant as a blazing flame—emerges from its mouth like a hundred-rayed cloud. With a face like sapphire and gold, and a belly resembling conch and pearls—who would not feel desire for such an indescribable deer? Who, seeing this form—radiant as gold from the Jambū river, divine, adorned with various gems—would not be filled with wonder?” He continued, “For the sake of meat, and also for sport, kings, O Lakṣmaṇa, hunt deer with bows in the great forest. In the great forest, through effort, treasures are sought—various minerals, gems, and gold. All that is considered the essence of wealth among men, the means of increasing riches, and all that is desired in the mind, O Lakṣmaṇa, is as it is for Śukra. Whatever a seeker pursues for the sake of gain, without hesitation, that is called 'wealth' by those skilled in the science of wealth, O noble Lakṣmaṇa. On the priceless golden skin of this jewel among deer, Vaidehī, slender-waisted, will sit with me. Neither the plantain, nor the priyaka, nor the praveṇī, nor the āvikī—none of these, I think, would match this one in touch. This splendid deer and that celestial one moving in the sky—both are divine: the star-deer and the earth-deer.” Thus, in the heart of the forest, Sītā’s wonder and desire, Rama’s enchantment, and Lakṣmaṇa’s suspicion mingled as they beheld the marvelous, jewel-like deer—a creature whose beauty and mystery would soon lead to events of great consequence.