Upon Lakshmana’s firm insistence, Rama, regaining his usual composure, acknowledged his brother’s eloquent plea to identify and punish the wicked and the enemy. Realizing the gravity of Lakshmana’s words, infused with the ancient virtues, Rama discarded his anger and embraced a calmer state of mind. In admiration of his younger brother’s wisdom, Rama inquired, “Tell me, Lakshmana, what should we do now? Where shall we go? How shall we find and bring back Sita? Guide me on the steps to initiate.”
As Rama emerged from his anguish, Lakshmana warned, “This Janasthana is fraught with hidden perils, teeming with demons who exploit the bountiful resources of the forest for their wicked deeds. Our best course is to search every corner of this vast wilderness, which is adorned with mountains, caves, and deep pits inhabited by Kinnaras and Gandharvas with their retinues. We must comb this area together, deploying your intelligence and gentle approach, disturbing the natural order as little as possible.”
With renewed resolve, Rama embarked on the search, only to stumble upon the wounded and gasping Jatayu, appearing as though a mountain had crashed upon the earth. Seeing the blood-stained bird, Rama suspected, “This creature, disguised, seems to have devoured Sita.” Anguish welled within him, and he drew his bow to slay the bird. But in a feeble voice, Jatayu spoke, “Long live Rama! I have seen the demon Ravana, who stole Sita, as well as my own life. I fought him but was vanquished by his dark powers. He has taken Sita to Lanka by the aerial route. Do not kill me, for I have lived to give you this vital information.”
Hearing Jatayu’s account, Rama’s heart filled with dread for Sita’s fate. Lowering his bow, he tenderly touched Jatayu with reverence. Turning to Lakshmana, Rama lamented, “Behold my misfortune! Stripped of my kingdom, my father lost, abandoned by kith and kin, and now Sita is stolen. Even Jatayu, who tried to help, lies here dying. My presence seems to bring suffering to all who wish to aid me.”
Rama then implored Jatayu, “If you have the strength, tell us more about Ravana and his heinous act. Why did he abduct Sita? What harm have I done to him? How could such a gentle soul as Sita endure this demon’s grasp? Describe Ravana’s power and appearance, and guide us on where to find him.”
Jatayu, in his final moments, recounted Ravana’s deceit and strength, and the aerial chariot drawn by devilish creatures. With a weak voice, he bid farewell, having fulfilled his duty to inform Rama. Rama, deeply moved by Jatayu’s sacrifice, acknowledged the bird’s noble act of friendship toward Dasaratha and their family.
Understanding the bird’s valiant effort and the inevitability of life’s end, Rama ordered the rites for Jatayu’s soul, invoking blessings for the bird to reach the realm of the virtuous. Following these rites, both brothers, now reinvigorated, resumed their search for Sita, their determination burning brighter than before.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, armed and resolute, they seemed like Vishnu and Indra on a divine quest. This profound scene of loyalty, wisdom, and sacrifice laid the groundwork for events destined to shape the universe and fulfill the grand designs of fate.
