LEPAKSHI

THE EPIC EPISODE

Its epic association starts with abduction of Mother Sita. - When that wicked Dasakantha was carrying the wailing victim, Jatayu, a huge bird of unusual dimensions and divine gifts heard her heart-rending lamentation. He saw her plight. Instantly he cried for help intones loud. 'His appeals were lost in wilderness. Unable to get external help, he jumped into the fray and attacked Ravana. Shocked by the unexpected confrontation, Ravana shuddered a little and received blows. Soon he asserted, and knowing that strength of birds lies in their wings, he ruthlessly cut the wings of Jatayu, who gave a tough flight till falling. Though wounded sorely, and was unable to even move, it wanted to report this unjust action to Sri Rama, who in search of Sita would certainly come to these parts, he thought.

Despaired Sri Rama crying 'Sita! Sita!!' passed that way, and Jatayu then narrated the woeful tale of Sita's predicament. Listening to the whole episode, inclusive of its life, Sri Rama offered to perform dahanakriya-funeral obsequies to it; for Jatayu was an extraordinary bird renowned for its-superhuman powers and physical might. In the past, it helped Dasaratha, father of Sri Rama, when he was washed off by the fury of sea waters. Its past was awe-inspiring, but now alone. Proper ceremonies must be performed. And Jatayu was overjoyed and said that it was more fortunate than even Dasaratha; for Dasaratha did not receive funeral ceremonies from the incarnated God. Expressing unbounded joy, Jatayu closed its eyes once for all. Sri Rama like a dutiful son performed due ceremonies. This happened here and it is sanctified by Srirama's Padasparsa. So, sacred and visit-worthy.

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