Jatayu Tries to Stop Ravana

"O flowers of the forest," Sita cried from aboard the Pushpaka Vimana, "I beg you to tell Rama that the wicked Ravana has carried his Sita away. O mountain ranges, tell Rama that the wicked Ravana has kidnapped his Sita. O birds and animals of the forest, please tell my beloved husband that Sita kept resisting, but the wicked Ravana carried her away. When my words reach Rama, he will search every corner of the earth, find me, and rescue me."

Jatayu, the King of Vultures, was half-asleep on a tree in the jungle when he heard Sita's screams. He woke up and saw Ravana forcefully taking Sita with him.

He flew toward the Pushpaka Vimana and said to Ravana, "Wretched demon, I am the vulture Jatayu. Rama, the son of Dasharatha, is the Lord of all creatures in the world. He is strong like Varuna and Indra. The woman you have kidnapped is Rama's lawful wife, Sita. Release her, or else I will destroy you.

"I am sixty thousand years old, whereas you are young. You are aboard a plane, wearing armor, and have weapons. Yet I will not let you take Sita away so easily. If you are courageous, disembark the plane and fight me."

Ravana and Jatayu engaged in a fierce aerial battle. Jatayu pecked at Ravana with his beak and clawed at him with his talons. But the demon king used his sword to cut off Jatayu's wings and feet, causing the mighty bird to fall to the ground. Upon seeing this, Sita began to weep as if Jatayu were a member of her family, but her tears did not soften Ravana's heart.

In an attempt to leave a clue for Rama, Sita threw out her yellow shawl and ornaments, which Ravana overlooked in his excitement.