THE SEARCH BEGINS

Meanwhile, the Vaanaras, expecting death, were recalling the past and talking to one another and loudly lamenting over all that had happened. "Because of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha died," they said: "Because of Dasaratha, Raama had to dwell in the forest. Raavana carried off Seeta.

The heroic Jataayu lost his life in the attempt to save Seeta. If the heroic bird had strength enough to continue the struggle a little longer, Raama and Lakshmana would have arrived on the spot and recovered Seeta. By fate did all these things happen and the end of the tale is that we are dying here. In what curious ways does fate work!"

Listening to these lamentations, Sampaati stared at the mention of Jataayu who was his brother. Hearing him spoken of as dead, he naturally wished to hear the whole story.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]