Jatayu

Continuing with the story of Garuda, we will today look at the story of Jatayu.

Garuda's elder brother Aruna who was the chariotter of Surya, the sun god had 2 children : Sampaati and Jatayu. Sampaati was the elder of the two and Jatayu the younger. When the two were young, they were both strong and naughty. Once the two decieded who among them could fly higher and immediately rose up in the direction of the sun. Higher and higher they flew until they both started feeling the heat of the sun. However, Sampaati quickly realized the danger they both were in and immediately flew over Jataayu and covered his wings over Jataayu. This saved Jataayu from the heat of the sun, however the severe heat from the sun burned Sampaati's wings causing him to fall down to earth.

During the Vanavasa of Rama and Sita, Ravana cheated Sita and kidnapped her and was taking her to Lanka. While Ravana was taking Sita to Lanka, Sita wailed and shouted to all the forest animals to tell her beloved husband that she is being kidnapped and taken to Lanka. Hearing her wails, Jatayu who was a friend of Dasharatha, the father of Rama immediately flew and tried to rescue her from Ravana. He fought a valient battle with Ravana injuring him severely. However by this time Jatayu was really old and weak and could not match the prowess of Ravana. Ravana after a strong battle managed to cut off Jatayu's wings causing his fatal injuries. Jatayu fell to ground but was determined to hold onto his life till such a time he meets Rama and informs him of the whereabouts of Sita.

Eventually Rama while searching for Sita, came across Jatayu and Jatayu narrates the entire incident to Rama and told him that Sita was taken by Ravana towards the South. Rama thanks Jatayu for the help rendered and promises him heaven when he dies. Jatayu happy about the services rendered by him to god eventually dies at the hands of Rama. Rama then proceeds to perform the funeral rites of Jatayu and then proceeds to search for Sita in the southward direction.

There are a couple of noteworthy things in this story : One, an elder brother is virtually like a father to this younger brother and it becomes his duty to save and protect his younger brother from danger, whether it is knowingly or unknowingly committed. Secondly service to god and friends should not see any boundaries. Jatayu was willing to give up his life for the cause of his friend and god. The same should be followed in our lives also.