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Jatayu: FAQ & Sources
जटायुKing of the vultures; friend of Dasharatha. Also called Gridhraraja.
Jatayu, the aged vulture king and son of Aruna, was an old friend of King Dasharatha. He fought Ravana in the sky to save Sita, broke his chariot and lost his wings, and lived only long enough to tell Rama which way Sita had been taken. Rama performed his last rites himself.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jatayu?
The aged vulture king, son of Aruna and friend of Dasharatha, who fought Ravana to save Sita.
Who was Jatayu's brother?
Sampati, who later told the vanaras that Sita was in Lanka.
Where did Jatayu fall?
Traditions point to Jatayupara in Kerala and to Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, among others.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda (sargas 14, 50-51, 67-68)
- Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda (sargas 56-63, Sampati)
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