Story of Jatayu

Ramayana is one of his two great epics written by the sage-turned-thief Valmiki. While reading the great story of King Rama, we come across an interesting character. One of them is Bird King Jatayu. We all know how he tried to save Sita from the clutches of Ravana, became powerless in the process, and died his last breath while informing Rama of his abduction. We have compiled some interesting facts about the king of all birds. Learn more about Jatayu, a little-known warrior who gave his life for Lord Rama.  He is the second son of Aruna and his wife Sieni, brother of Sampathi and nephew of Garuda. He is also an old friend of Rama's father, King Dasaratha.

Jatayu

Flight to the Sun

When young, Jatayu and his brother Sampathi flew to the sun god Surya under a bet. Jatayu, carefree because he was young, jumped out of his brother and entered Surya Mandala, the orbit of the sun at noon. Due to Surya's scorching heat, his wings began to scorch. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Sampathi flew in front of him, spreading his wings wide to protect him.

As a result, it was Sampathi who had his wings burned as he descended towards the Vindhya mountains. Incompetent, he spent the rest of his life under the protection of a sage named Nishakara, who was doing penance in the mountains. Jatayu never saw his brother again.

In this next story, we learn how Jatayu was killed.

Battle of Jatayu and Ravana.

On the way to Panchavati, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita saw a huge vulture attacking them. Rama confronted him and asked who he was. The bird greeted them and said it was Jatayu, a friend of King Dasaratha. Rama welcomed his father's saviour, who had protected him in his battle with Samparasura.

Ram Meets Jatayu

Jatayu told this story. He said he was the grandson of the sage Kashyap and his father Arun, the charioteer of the sun god Surya. He also told them that his brother Sapati burned his wings so he would not fly towards the sun. He had come to the forest of Panchavati, entrusted with the kingship of vultures. Jatayu had promised Rama to protect her with all her might.

Jatayu Killed by Ravana

Summary

Aranya Kanda of the Ramayana states that Jatayu is the "King of Vultures" (Gidharaja). According to the epic, Rakshasa Ravana kidnapped Lakshmi's avatar, Sita, when Jatayu tried to save her.

Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana, but as Jatayu was very old, Ravana quickly defeated him, cut off his wings, and Jayatu descended to earth. Rama and Lakshmana informed them of their battle with Ravana and that Ravana had moved south. Jatayu died of his wounds, and Rama performed his final funeral rites.

Jatayu Tried to Save Sita

Note to Parents

Short stories are a powerful tool for young children to learn morals and ethics. The Ramayana and other mythological stories also help young children develop their survival skills.

Conclusion

This article has studied the great Jatayu and the epic story between the Jatayu and the Ravana. We have seen how Jatayu was killed by the Ravana while saving princess Sita and the flight to the sun that Jatayu has been gone with his elder brother Sampathi.