A SECOND FATHER DIES

Later, when Raama fights and is victorious in Lanka, Seeta does not see it; she is a prisoner in the Asoka forest. She has to be content with listening to reports of the battle and of the prowess of her lord. But Jataayu's devotion and heroism Seeta saw with her own eyes in the Dandaka forest. Unarmed, he opposed the Raakshasa who had all his weapons and armour, and humbled his pride at the cost of his own life.

Jataayu's battle with Raavana is more important than the battles in Lanka. Hence the pious revere Jataayu along with Bharata and look upon him as an Aalvaar, a guide in the My Path,

"Lakshmana," said Raama, "gather dry faggots. I shall churn the fire. We failed to perform our father's obsequies-let us do it for the eagle-father who gave up his life for us."

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