Rama finally restraining his emotions asked, "What shall we do now Lakshmana, where and how shall we find Sita?" Lakshmana said, "Here in Janasthana the mountains are rife with impregnable caves inhabited by the most dreaded beasts on the earth. Together we will search them. Just as wind cannot move mountains, sorrow cannot impede us." The search for Sita continued. Its futility disappointed Rama as he roamed the woods with bow strung and arrow readied. Even as he walked through the woods, he found Jatayu who lay across his path, the bird that had fought for his master now lay in a pool of blood. Beholding the huge body, deeming it to be rakshasa in disguise, Rama spoke out in anger "Having feasted on Sita this bird sits smug and satiated. My arrows will now claim its life." He then took one step towards the dying bird, the force of which shook the earth from one shore to the other! As life slowly ebbed out of his mangled body, Jatayu's strength also drained away. He gazed at Rama with eyes that reflected pain. Fighting a losing battle with death, his voice weak and fading he said, "Bless you Rama! Sita whom you seek as one would a life saving herb is not here, Ravana has stolen her and my life. While you and Lakshmana were gone, Ravana carried away Sita, I fought and tried to stop him, but without success. The broken chariot, the dead horses and the dead charioteer bear witness to our combat, in which Ravana mauled me and left me dying. Why do you try to slay me who am already slain?" Mists of grief shrouded Rama as he shed tears. Falling to his knees embracing Jatayu he fell into a swoon. Coming out of that darkness Rama said, "My kingdom lost, the forest is now my only shelter. Sita has been abducted and this noble bird is at death's door. My misfortune is so terrible that it can consume even the god of fire! Gently stroking the dying bird holding him tenderly in his arms Rama asked, "Where is Sita and how did Ravana hurt you so fatally? Jatayu, speak to me if you have the strength to do so."
Summary
Rama finally restraining his emotions asked, "What shall we do now Lakshmana, where and how shall we find Sita?" Lakshmana said, "Here in Janasthana the mountains are rife with impregnable caves inhabited by the most dreaded beasts on the earth. Together we will search them. Just as wind cannot move mountains, sorrow cannot impede us." The search for Sita continued. Its futility disappointed Rama as he roamed the woods with bow strung and arrow readied. Even as he walked through the woods, he found Jatayu who lay across his path, the bird that had fought for his master now lay in a pool of blood. Beholding the huge body, deeming it to be rakshasa in disguise, Rama spoke out in anger "Having feasted on Sita this bird sits smug and satiated. My arrows will now claim its life." He then took one step towards the dying bird, the force of which shook the earth from one shore to the other! As life slowly ebbed out of his mangled body, Jatayu's strength also drained away. He gazed at Rama with eyes that reflected pain. Fighting a losing battle with death, his voice weak and fading he said, "Bless you Rama! Sita whom you seek as one would a life saving herb is not here, Ravana has stolen her and my life. While you and Lakshmana were gone, Ravana carried away Sita, I fought and tried to stop him, but without success. The broken chariot, the dead horses and the dead charioteer bear witness to our combat, in which Ravana mauled me and left me dying. Why do you try to slay me who am already slain?" Mists of grief shrouded Rama as he shed tears. Falling to his knees embracing Jatayu he fell into a swoon. Coming out of that darkness Rama said, "My kingdom lost, the forest is now my only shelter. Sita has been abducted and this noble bird is at death's door. My misfortune is so terrible that it can consume even the god of fire! Gently stroking the dying bird holding him tenderly in his arms Rama asked, "Where is Sita and how did Ravana hurt you so fatally? Jatayu, speak to me if you have the strength to do so."