Kishkindha Kaanda
138 - The monkeys' arrival at the seashore; their meeting and conversation with Sampati (Jatayu's brother)
Chaupais
Description
Having performed the after-death ceremonies in respect of his departed brother (Jatayu) on the sea-shore Sampati narrated his own story. "Listen, O monkey chiefs: in the prime of our youth we two brothers (Jatayu and myself) soared in the heavens and approached the orb of the sun. Jatayu could not bear the heat of the sun and came back; but I in my pride advanced nearer the sun. My wings were scorched with the inordinate heat and I fell to the ground with a fearful scream. A sage, Candrama by name, (who lived there) was moved with compassion when he saw me. He taught me spiritual wisdom in many ways and rid me of my identification with the body. 'In the Treta age the Supreme Spirit will take the form of a human being and the demon king (Ravana) will carry off His Spouse. The Lord will send out spies to search Her and you will be absolved of all sins by meeting them. Your wings will sprout again; worry not any longer on that account. You will have to do only this much: show them where Sita may be.' The sage's predictions has come true today; therefore, follow my instructions and set about the business of your Lord. On the summit of the Trikuta hill stands the city of Lanka; Ravana, who is fearless by nature, lives there. There, in the Asoka garden, is lodged Sita, who sits there, plunged in grief, even now.