Figure in the Hindu festival stories
Jatayu
The noble vulture who gave his life trying to save Sita
In short
Jatayu is the noble vulture-king of the Ramayana who tried to rescue Sita as Ravana carried her off. Though mortally wounded, he lived long enough to tell Rama the direction Ravana had fled, and died in Rama's arms, honoured like a father.
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Jatayu’s story and role
An old friend of Rama's father Dasharatha, Jatayu saw Ravana abducting Sita in his flying chariot and attacked at once, fighting fiercely despite his great age — until Ravana severed his wings and left him dying.
Rama found him and Jatayu gave the vital clue of Ravana's southward flight before passing away. Rama performed his last rites himself, as for a kinsman. Jatayu is beloved as the figure who gave his life in a selfless, near-hopeless act of courage for another.
What Jatayu represents
Jatayu represents selfless courage — giving his life in a near-hopeless fight to protect another, and honoured by Rama as family.
Festivals with Jatayu
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About Jatayu
Who was Jatayu?
The noble vulture-king and friend of Rama's family who fought Ravana to try to save Sita, and died telling Rama where Ravana had taken her.
What did Jatayu do in the Ramayana?
He attacked Ravana's chariot to stop Sita's abduction; mortally wounded, he survived to point Rama southward after Ravana, then died in Rama's arms.
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