Story of Jatayu
A vulture named Jatayu staying on the nearby tree, and a great devotee of Ram, was quick to respond. He could not keep quiet at the plight of helpless Sita although he knew that he was no match for the mighty Ravan. He was not afraid of him even though it was clear that he would get killed by obstructing the path of Ravan. But he decided to save Sita from the clutches of Ravan at any cost.
Taking the name of Ram, he attacked the escaping Ravan within his whole might. His sharp nails and the beak tore flesh from the body of Ravan. Ravan also attacked Jatayu with his sword. The fight went on for quite some time. Jatayu was bleeding from the wounds all over his body. He was exhausted with energy drained out of his wings. At last, Ravan cut off his wings and Jatayu fell to the ground.
His mission was not yet complete though. He wanted to meet Ram in his last moments and also tell him about Sita. Therefore, although on his death bed, Jatayu went on repeating the name of Ram -- Ram, Ram, Ram.
Laxman reached the spot where Ram had just killed the demon Marich. Laxman found Ram unharmed as he expected. He told Ram how Sita forced him to rush for his (Ram's) help on hearing the cry.
It did not take long for Ram to put together all the demonic tricks played by Ravan and Marich. He feared that Sita might have landed in great difficulty. Therefore, the brothers rushed to the hut at Panchavati. They were very much apprehensive at the errie silence surrounding the hut.
"O Sita, come out; where are you", they shouted. But how could Sita respond! She was not there. The brothers began their search near and around the hut, in the nearby forest, and went on and on. With tears in his eyes, Ram asked the shrubs and the creepers if they had seen his Sita. He inquired of animals and the trees whether they had any knowledge about Sita.
Then, a faint voice "Ram, Ram, Ram..." was discernible from a short distance. They turned towards the voice and found to their dismay, Jatayu lying on the ground reciting the name of Ram. Ram took the wounded bird in his arms and inquired as to who had injured him so ruthlessly. Jatayu told them about Ravan, how he had kidnapped Mother Sita, and had fled to the South. He exhorted Ram to follow the wicked demon and rescue the holy Sita.
At last, the pious Jatayu bowed down at the holy feet of Ram and breathed his last in the lap of his chosen ideal. After performing the last rites of Jatayu, Ram and Laxman started southwards in search of Sita.
