Beholding Jatayu Rama said, "Lakshmana, this bird fighting to rescue Sita has been fatally wounded and his life is all but extinct." Then, ever so softly he asked Jatayu, "Why did Ravana steal Sita? What provoked him to do this and what did Sita say at that moment? Tell me father, about the enemy, of his might, of his form and the place where he lives!" From the depths of Jatayu's gentle being came a faint murmur, "My battle with Ravana had exhausted me. Taking advantage of that moment, he severed my wings and flew away with Sita southward bound. Be brave Rama, you will soon recover Sita, slaying Ravana, son of Visravas and brother of Kubera." Jatayu whose life was as precarious as a lamp in the wind ceased and he who had lived for thousands of years, died in the arms of his master and his god, Rama. Rama was devastated. He gazed at the bird, at his tawny eyes and his still body which seemed a mountain of flesh and feathers. In profound grief he said, "How remorseless is fate! Look at this noble bird, that had for centuries lived a peaceful life, die so suddenly and so violently for having tried to save Sita. His blood is on my hands. Even Sita's abduction is not so hard to bear as the death of this pious being. He is as venerable as my father Dasaratha. The valiant and the virtuous exist not only in the world of men, but also in the world of beasts, birds and other living creatures. Let us now cremate this Lord of eagles. May you Jatayu reach the world attained by those who sacrifice, who keep the sacrificial fires going and who do not turn their backs on the battlefield! After I perform the purification rites may you reach the highest of worlds! Having cremated Jatayu, Rama and Lakshmana recited Vedic prayers for the departing soul and offered libations to him whose renown was to last forever.