Rama fnds Jhatayu
Rama is elder to Lakshmana; who is worthy of counseling all; but suggestion of Lakshaman was in conformacne with tactic and was full of meaning Rama always grasps the essence. Hence accepting it and he contained the Fire raging within him, “ Lakshamana! What shall we do now ? where shall we go? By which route so we find Sita?”asked Rama. He replied “ Anna ! let us search in this Jahanasthana more carefully. Rakshasaas inhabit in greater numbers here. Tree Groves, Creepers, Caves, crevasses, Valleys, Ravines, and those places where Kinnaras and Gandharvas reside, and further secretive places are here. There also we shall search carefully. Just like the Mountains do not sway in Typhoons/Twisters,Aandhis ; so also great intelligent people like you do not get perturbed by any calamity” said with reverence.
Then as they were searching the Forest very carefully and proceeding , to the South of that battle field, A Huge Mountain Peak like Bird , was lying with Blood running profusely was on the ground. Immediately Rama said ‘ this Rakshasaa after eating Sita is laying down on the floor unable to get up. After seeing us he has taken the disguise of an Eagle.with my dazzling Arrow I will burn him just now” saying thus he mounted a sharp Arrow with anger he pounced on that Bird. Then the Bird in a feeble manner was coughing Blood with froth looking at Rama said ‘ You are searching in this forest as you do search a Great Medicinal plant that Sita and my Life has been usurped by a scoundrel Rakshasaa named Ravana. When You and Lakshmana were not present I saw Ravana taking Sita away. Immediately I stopped him and decimated his Bow , Arrows, Chariot, Charioteer . When I was just relaxing that Sinner in an opportune moment cut of my wings with his sword and pushed me aside and took away Sita skywards in an aerial route . So far I have been killed by Ravana. You also need not kill me.” thus he prayed.
Rama after hearing this, his anguish doubled, threw his Bow, Arrow and hugged Jhatayu and rolled on the ground and cried .
No one travels in that path; nor there was any path beyond that. In such a place with none to offer help, having been injured fatally Jhatayu was lying down like an orphan . Rama said “ Lakshmana ! I lost my kingdom suddenly which came to my hand ; couldn’t have I lived by begging in the Kingdom? That was not to be. I was Driven away to Forest. There also if people who are close to me were there , then I would have atleast forgotten the agony. That was not to be. Lost Sita as well. If Relations are Friend were around then I would have atleast forgotten the agony. That was not to be. Now Jhatayu also has been killed. Thus the sufferings one after another like the waves of the sea is following me ; even if I go and fall in Agni(Which burns every material) , I think my bad Luck may even burn the Agni. I do not know if I will be separated from you as well as you are inseparable from me. To quench my agony if I drown in Ocean my ill luck may even parch it. There is none equal to my misfortune in any of the world. Are there any who are caught in the net of worries like me? See this Jhatayu who is a dear Friend of our Father; he is worthy of worship like our Father; he is very old; one who has been guarding us always; joining me with my ill luck today he has attained Death” Thus Rama lamented in many ways and caressed Jhatayu. The Love which Rama had for Dasaratha, Rama had more Love for Jhatayu as he had taken his father’s place after Dasaratha’s demise. Hence he hugged the Jhatayu whose wings were cut and was soaked in Blood and asked ‘ Where is my Sita who is more dearer than my Life?” thus crying aloud he fell unconscious on the ground. (Slokas29)
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