Sita wept bitterly as Ravana carried her in his chariot. She was cursing herself for sending Rama to hunt the deer and for not obeying Laxman’s instruction. King of vultures, Jatayu, heard her cry and recognised at once that she was Sita, Rama’s wife. He shouted and consoled Sita not to worry as he would kill the foolish demon. He flew towards the chariot with a great speed. Ravana saw him flying towards him. He recognized and laughingly shouted that he would defeat the old vulture with a single punch of his hand. Hearing this, Jatayu became angry and warned Ravana to return Sita, otherwise; he would have to incur the wrath of Lord Rama. But Ravana refused to return Sita. Jatayu rushed towards him. He held Ravana by the hair and pushed him down from the chariot. Jatayu took Sita down from the chariot. He started hurting Ravana by attacking him with his beak. Ravana initially fainted but regained his senses some time. Thereafter, he took out his sword and cut off Jatayu’s wings. Jatayu fell on the ground crying in pain. Ravana put Sita back on his chariot and flew to Lanka.
JATAYU, THE GREAT VULTURE
