Bengali Ramayana - Jatayu

[Guest guest]

Under the sign of Taurus, Shani (Saturn) looked

upon Ayodhya. Drought came upon the evergreen city.

Narada appeared before Dasharatha and told him about

Shani. Dasharatha set out to see if could do anything.

He roamed one whole day seeing dead animals, dead

people and dry lakes and ponds. As evening approached,

the king took shelter below a tree. Two birds were

talking, sitting on the tree. The female bird said, "For

long we have stayed in this land. How long should we

suffer. The king is busy with his wives and we are

suffering. Husband, let us go away somewhere else". The male

bird said, "Since Satyayuga, I have stayed here. For

generation my forefathers stayed here. It is my misfortune

that the king is not paying attention to his subjects.

I was born here, I will die here." The female bird

said, "In this unfortunate land I'll loose my life if I

stay here. I think I'll go to the ocean and have some

water". The king heard all this. He thought "Indra had

promised my grandfather there would never be any droughts

in Ayodhya. He said something, did something else. I

think he ought to be taught a lesson". When morning

came, the birds saw the king. The male bird said to his

mate, "Sinner, you blamed the king. The great king will

use the Shabdhabhedi arrow and will take your life."

Dasharatha said, "Birds, do not be afraid. I will not harm

you. You have opened my eyes." Armed for battle, the

king left for heaven to deal with Indra. Indra was

afraid of the Shabdhabhedi arrow. It could kind its prey

just its sound. He told Dasharatha that the drought

was because of Shani. Dasharatha then left for

Shani's abode. When Shani came out, so intense was his

sight that Dasharatha's chariot just broke off into

pieces. Jatayu, son of Garuda, was flying by. He saw the

king falling from his chariot. He grabbed the king on

his wings and acting as his chariot flew towards

Shani. Jatayu knew that Dasharatha was a good, noble

king and so he was willing to help him. Dasharatha

asked the bird who he was. Jatayu said, "I am Jatayu,

son of Garuda. My elder brother is Sampati, the king

of birds. I fly around in the skies helping

people".<br>Jatayu placed Dasharatha on the ground. The king got a

new chariot and climbed up on it. Shani was

impressed. He had never seen anyone survive his sight. He

told the king. "You are a great person. Narayana will

be born in your house. I have always had a problem

with my eyesight. Let me tell you what had happened

once".