Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 18 Kishkindha Kandham

  Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 18   Kishkindha Kandham

The Anguish of Angada and Associates

As despair gripped them, a massive, aged vulture named Sampathy emerged from a cave atop Mahendra Mountain. His wings scorched and useless, he eyed the Vanaras with delight, muttering, “These wingless creatures are a godsend. They’ll sustain me until my end.” The Vanaras, overhearing his words, trembled in fear and whispered among themselves. “This vulture will devour us. Our failure to find Sita proves our worthlessness. Unlike Jatayu, the noble bird who died serving Rama and earned liberation, our deaths will mark us as sinners.”

Sampathy, catching Jatayu’s name, softened and inquired, “Who speaks of Jatayu? Fear not, tell me who you are.” Angada approached, bowing respectfully, and recounted their mission. “You may know of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and his son, Rama. While Rama lived in the forest with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, the wicked Ravana abducted Sita. As she cried out, Jatayu, the mighty vulture, attacked Ravana’s aerial chariot, destroying it. But Ravana severed Jatayu’s wings with his sword, Chandrahasa. Blessed by Sita, Jatayu survived long enough to inform Rama, gazing upon the Lord’s divine face to attain liberation. Rama, allied with Sugriva, killed my father, Bali, to make Sugriva king of Kishkindha. I, the prince, lead this southern search party of ten thousand Vanaras. We’ve found no sign of Sita, and with our time running out, we face death if we return empty-handed. If you know anything of Sita’s whereabouts, please guide us.”

Sampathy revealed, “I am Jatayu’s brother. I’ve not seen him in millennia, and your words bring news of his fate. Help me to the seashore to perform his final rites, and I’ll aid your quest.” The Vanaras assisted Sampathy to the shore, where he honored Jatayu. Then he shared vital knowledge: “Sita resides in a garden in Lanka, on Trikuda Mountain, guarded by Rakshasa women, across a deep ocean 100 yojanas away. My vulture eyes see her clearly. One among you must leap this distance to find her and slay Ravana, Jatayu’s killer.” He recounted his past: as young birds, he and Jatayu flew toward the sun, but its heat burned Jatayu’s wings. Sampathy shielded him, scorching his own wings and falling to earth. A sage he met explained the cycle of karma and samsara, prophesying that Sampathy would guide Vanaras seeking Sita and regain his wings. Miraculously, new wings sprouted on Sampathy, and he blessed the Vanaras: “Rama’s name is a boat to cross the ocean of samsara. Chant it, and you’ll reach Sita.” With that, he soared into the sky.

Plans to Cross the Ocean

The Vanaras deliberated crossing the perilous ocean, teeming with crocodiles. “The shore is invisible, the task impossible,” one sighed, foreseeing death. Angada, renewed by Sampathy’s words, urged, “Don’t despair. We have mighty warriors. State your jumping abilities.” One Vanara claimed ten yojanas, another twenty, up to ninety, but none could manage the 100-yojana leap. Jambava, the eldest, lamented, “In my youth, I circled Lord Vishnu twenty-one times as he measured the three worlds. Now, age weakens me.” Angada offered, “I can jump 100 yojanas one way, but not back. If none can do it, we must fast unto death.”

Jambava turned to Hanuman, silent until now. “Why so quiet? You, son of Vayu and Anjana, rival your father’s might. As a newborn, you leaped to the sun, mistaking it for fruit, until Indra struck you, scarring your jaw—hence your name, Hanuman. Blessed by the Trinity, you’re eternal. Rama’s ring, entrusted to you, signals his faith. Your valor is unmatched.” Roaring like a lion, Hanuman grew colossal, like Vamana spanning the worlds. “I’ll leap to Lanka, raze it, slay Ravana, and rescue Sita—or carry him and Trikuda Mountain to Rama!” Jambava tempered his zeal: “First, find Sita and return with news. Rama will handle Ravana. Vayu protects you.” The Vanaras cheered as Hanuman ascended Mahendra Mountain, fixing his eagle-like gaze on Lanka, ready to leap.