Jatayu And Sampati

Sampati told the Vanaras that because of his divine origins, he had divine sight, and could see that they would be successful in their endeavour. Then, he told them how he came to be there.

A race to the sun

In ancient times, when Indra, the king of gods, killed the Asura Vritra (See box), the brothers Jatayu and Sampati decided. in a moment of pride, to test their valour.

They attempted to fly to the blazing sun, hotter than anything in existence. They ascended rapidly, but Jatayu got too close and was in great pain because of the rays of the sun. Out of love for his younger brother, Sampati flew ahead and shielded him from the fierce rays with his wings, which were burnt in the process. Both lost consciousness and fell to the earth.

The Vindhyas

Sampati fell from the sky and landed on top of a peak in the Vindhya mountains. He remained unconscious for six nights. When he finally came to, he could not understand where he was, as everything around him seemed unfamiliar. With great difficulty, looking at the mountains, rivers, and lakes, he realized that he was near the southern sea.

He remembered that Nishakara, a fierce ascetic, lived in that region, who knew him and his brother. Jatayu. The trees around his hermitage were never without fruits and the flowers remained fragrant.

Searching for the sage

In deep pain because of his wings, Sampati decided to seek his help and went in search of him. Nishakara, upon seeing him, said, Who are you, bird? And how did you get here? 1 knew two mighty brothers, the kings of vultures, but you seem difficult to recognise. It appears that you are the older of those brothers, Sampati ... but your wings seem burnt and your breath seems unsteady. Is this an affliction of some kind? Or did somebody punish you? What happened?"

Sampati replied, "Blessed one. I am wounded and my senses are agitated in embarrassment. I am exhausted and cannot speak." He told the sage what had happened and concluded, "I think my beloved brother Jatayu fell in Janasthana and I fell here, in the Vindhyas. Bereft of my kingdom, my brother, and my wings, I do not have it in me to live anymore. So saying, Sampati wept before the sage.

Nishakara's prophecy

The sage fell into silent contemplation and then said, "You shall have new wings, Sampati, and renewed strength and vigour. I have heard this and seen through my ascetic powers that a king shall be born in the Ikshvaku lineage called Dasharatha. He shall have a brilliant son called Rama, who will come to the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Ravarna, the invincible Rakshasa, will abduct his wife. The glorious Sita shall reject all luxuries offered to her. Even when Indra offers her food while in Ravana's realm, she will offer it to the ground, saying, "This is for Rama."

He added, "Vanaras will come to this region as Rama's messengers, and you will tell them about Sita. Don't go anywhere. But where can you go in this state anyway?

Await the right moment, and this great destiny shall be yours. You will be helping the princes, the gods and Indra himself. I would have liked to see Rama too, but I do not want to wait for that long and will cast off my body soon."

The truth in the prophecy

Sampati finished telling his story and then looked at the Vanaras. He said that he had waited for this moment for 100 years. He told them how, every time he slipped into deep depression, wondering about the purpose of his life, he remembered the wise sage's words.

As the Vanaras watched, Sampati's wings grew back and red feathers reappeared.

Overjoyed, he said, "I can feel the strength of my youth. My wings have returned as well. This tells me that you will be successful in your objective," he said. "Now, go find Sita."