A SECOND FATHER DIES

They were foolish and committed errors of omission and commission and lost Seeta. Trying to save Seeta from the calamity that their carelessness had brought upon her, Jataayu, old, unarmed, had fought with wing and beak and talon and given up his life. When their father died in Ayodhya, his obsequies were performed by Bharata and Satrughna.

Raama and Lakshmana. were denied this privilege because they were away in the forest. They regarded Jataayu as their own father and in performing his obsequies derived some consolation for not being by Dasaratha's side and performing the last offices to him. What other help or honour could they accord to heroic Jataayu?

The bhaktas worship Jataayu as the best of bhaktas. Exercising our imagination, we should behold with Seeta's eyes the poor old bird's hard struggle against the Raakshasa king. Then we would realise the love and gratitude and sorrow that must have surged in her heart as she watched his sufferings. Thus we shall be purified by the grace of the Mother. What wonder is there in the rank assigned to Jataayu among the bhaktas?

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