In their desperate search, they arrived at the site of the fight between Jatayu and Ravana. There they saw the remains of the wagon and the bodies of the mules and the charioteer, mutilated in many parts. A little further they saw the agonizing Jatayu. Realizing that he had tried in vain to defend Sita, Rama and Laksmana sadly bent over their dear friend. Rama called him in a loving voice:
“Jatayu, my friend, who did this to you? Was it the same one who kidnapped my Sita? Tell me, is she still alive?”
Jatayu was dying. He answered in a faint voice:
“It was Ravana…” he said with the last strength he had left, “…the king of the Raksasas… himself. You were gone … and he kidnapped Sita … I tried to defend her, but I’m too old.”
Rama smiled at him tenderly and caressed him.
“My friend, I will never be able to repay the service you have rendered me. Did you see where she was going and if she is still alive?”
“Sita is alive…” Jatayu said, “don’t worry… he won’t kill her. They went south … south …”
He paused for a moment to catch his breath.
“Sita was crying … and calling you … but do not despair … you will soon find her… bless me… that in this last instant of my life I can achieve the ultimate goal, the perfection of existence… Rama.”
Saying Rama’s holy name, Jatayu expired. Saddened by the death of their dear friend, the two brothers celebrated the funeral according to Vedic traditions. Then they walked south, looking for Sita.
This is a section of the book “The Ramayana”, in English.
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