Jhatayu Battles Ravana
Jhatayu said words which were in tune with Justice, but Ravana was enraged with all his 20 eyes fiery like burning ember,unable to accept those sane words he pounced on Jhatayu. As though due to opposing winds 2 Huge clouds clashing against one and another, also the Mountains of Malyavaan clashed with each other, Ravana and Jhatayu did a pitched battle. (Malyavaan Mountain are in between Dhandakaaranya and Kishkinda). Then the Rakshasaa shot the Arrows variety –Naaligam(made of Iron tip), Naacharam(Fully iron),Vikarani(Tip has curve and when they come out they pull the intestine along with it)on Jhatayu. He brushed them aside with his wings, with his sharp Beak and Nails he caused damage to Ravana’s body in mid Air as Ravana was on his Flying Chariot and Jhatayu being a Bird was Flying. Ravan decided to kill him, with 10 Arrows like Kala Dhandum (Bludgeon staff used to take Life away at the time of Death , indicating Life span is over) hurt Jhatayu badly. Seeing Sita floundering in sea of sorrow he did not bother for those Arrows and pounced on Ravana and with his strong but old legs broke the Bow and Arrow of Ravana. Immediately Ravan got enraged and took another Bow shot 10,000 Arrows on him. Like a nest they coverd Jhatayu. He with his wings hit and deflected them, broke that new Bow also with his Legs. He removed the Divine shield which Ravana was wearing with strong winds generated by his wings. Jhatayu killed the Mules which were having golden shields on them, also broke the Chariot to pieces , killed the Rakshsaaas who were holding the Umbrella and the Fans made of Quills as Royal insignia, and plucked the Charioteer’s head away. With Bow broken, Mules dead, Charioteer dead, without Chariot Ravana along with Sita jumped down. Then all the Animals celebrated Jhatayu. Ravana noticed that Jhatayu was Tired because of his age and Battle and he got enthused and jumped skywords carrying Sita.(Rakshasaas could go anywhere and any place any tme).
Seeing that the King of the Eagles flew and stopped him and said “ Hey Fool! Are you trying to take away the wife of Rama who shoots Arrows like the Vajhrayudha? It aapears the Rakshasaa Clan ‘s end is nearing. Like the thirsty man drinks the Sweet Liquid in un controlled measure; You, your Friends, Relations, Ministers, Army, Entourages are limitlessly drinking the Poison mixed water in plenty. Those without knowing the benefits of the activities carry on as per their own wish,will soon perish. For this You are an Example Ravana. Will the Fish which has swallowed the thorny bait survive? You are bound by Kala Pash (Laso or rope which ties the Noose around the person who is going to Die) and can you escape from Rama? When you have taken away Sita in their absence did you think will they pardon you? Like a Thief you have you have hid yourself in fear and done this act, which will be ridiculed by every one. Does it add credence to a Warrior? Wait for some time. Ram will come. If you have the capability you battle it out with him. Like your brother who was born with you, Kara ,you will lie on the ground dead. When the Life span ebbs away and when he does a Sin which is compatible for the same, you have done that Sin now. Even the Lord of Worlds and Originator God, will he dare do Karma(activity) which will only ensure Sinful benefits ?” while Jhatayu was rendering these soothing sane advise. He saw Ravana running away,Jhatayu chased him, pierced on his back with his beak, like the Mahut pokes with his Ankush(elephant goad) the Rogue Elephant running amuck to make it turn around with his sharp Nails he scratched and caused deep wounds in Ravana’s body. He plucked some of Ravana’s hair and with his beak removed flesh biting and tearing them away from his body. Unable to bear the pain Ravana with Lips trembling with his body shaking due to anger, he decided to battle with him and turned around he took hold of Sita in one hand and with the other hand slapped Jhatayu, Then Jhatayu got hold of him and plucked away all his 10 Left hands, , like the Giant serpents come out of it’s pit with Poisonous gas, new hands came out in place of those plucked out hands. Then Rakshsaa left Sita down and with his fists and Legs hit out and kicked at Jhatayu. Then Fierce battle ensured between the King of Rakshasaa and the King of Eagles for 1 ½ hours(90 Minutes).
Then at the end at an opportune moment cut off Jhatayu’s wings, legs Feathers and Jhatayu fell in the ground fatally injured. **( it is said Jhatayu asked which is the Vital point of Ravana’s body while revealing his own Vital organ was his wings,Ravana Lied to Jhatayu that it was his head. Jhatayu went on plucking Ravana’s head but then new heads sprouted again and again as per Boon given by Brahma(God of creation), whereas Ravana took advantage killed Jhatayu who told him the Truth). With White Chest and like Dark cloud , and the quenched Forest Fire that great Warrior was lying hurt seeing this Ravana became happy. While it was in agony as though her close relation has expired. Jhatayu who was killed because of Ravana’s strength of his Arm and the blood flowing profusely Sita ran upto Jhatayu and hugged him and screamed hoarsely. (Slokas46)
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