Ravana's Ultimatum and Jatayu's Last Words

Ravana was enraged by Sita's words. "Sita, the only reason I will tolerate what you just said is because I love you. Otherwise, I would punish you by death. I will give you twelve months, during which you must accept me as your husband. I am bound by my word, so I will not kill you before this deadline. But if you don't come around by then, I will devour you for breakfast. Consider the matter carefully."

He then confined Sita in Lanka's Ashok Garden, where she was guarded by frightening demonesses day and night.

"Someone has kidnapped Sita!" Rama cried out. "Or some demon has killed and eaten her! Or she has hidden somewhere in the forest out of fear. But it may be that she has just gone to pick vegetables and fruits. Or maybe she has gone to the lake or river to pick lotuses."

Rama searched all the nearby places but couldn't find his dear wife anywhere in the forest. He was crying like a deranged person, and his eyes reddened. He ran helter-skelter in search of Sita. Finally, Rama and Lakshmana came to the place where the giant vulture Jatayu was lying on the ground, soaked in blood.

"Demon King Ravana has kidnapped Sita," Jatayu told Rama. "When I saw Sita being taken against her will, I tried to save her. I fought Ravana and damaged his plane, but he cut off my wings with his sword. Helpless, I fell to the ground. O Rama, don't worry about Sita. You will soon kill that demon and spend the rest of your life happily with wife."

Jatayu then took his last breath. Rama and Lakshmana performed his last rites with the utmost respect.