Jatayu fights Rahwana
| Title | Jatayu fights Rahwana |
|---|---|
| Artist | I Wayan Pande Sumantra |
| Date | 1996 |
| Size | 42 x 35 cm |
| Material | Natural pigments on cotton cloth |
| Remarks | Painted in the traditional Kamasan style, it depicts puppet-like figures with faces in three-quarter profile. The painting lacks perspective and the background is covered with filler motifs including teardrop and winged horse-shoe motifs ('awan-awan' and 'daun daunan'). |
| Signature | |
| Published | Accession No. 1996-00664 |
| Collection | Collection of Asian Civilisations Museum, Kamasan Village, Bali, Indonesia |
Kamasan painting - Jatayu fights Rahwana - Ramayana
Prior story: Kamasan painting - Abduction of Sita
Upon killing the deer, Rama discovers that it was the demon Mareecha in disguise, and quickly proceeds towards their dwelling, fearing the worst. Upon seeing the empty hut, a distraught Rama frantically searches for Sita, and according to the Ramayana asks every plant, tree and animal her whereabouts. In a frenzied search for Sita, Rama runs from "tree to shrub, from hill to hillock, from river to rivulet", and restlessly roves "around woods, rivers, hills, mountain-rapids and thicketed forests".
Without wasting a single moment Ravana had grabbed Sita, put her over his shoulder and climbed his chariot – Pushpak-Viman. She screamed, tried to resist but of no use against the power and strength of Ravana. Ravana laughed loudly and said: “Do you know who I am?” And continued, “I am Ravana, king of Lanka, brother of Surpankha; your husband mutilated her in forest, and the leaders Khara and Dushana who are killed by your husband. Long back I missed you in your Swayamwara, now I am not letting you go. Your husband cannot find you they will search in the forest for years, thinking some wild animals had eaten you away and then return back to Ayodhya where he shall marry another woman.” Sita was not interested in his introduction, she cried aloud, “O my Lord! Where are you, my Rama? O Lakshmana, most faithful of friends, why did I with obstinate folly, drive you away?” Sita addressed the trees and plants down below and begged them to tell Rama of her fate.
Jatayu, who was living in the forests of Panchavati, heard Sita’s cries for help as Ravana was carrying her away in his flying chariot. Jatayu is a good friend of Rama’s father Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya. Starlet by a woman’s cry of distress he was wide awake in a moment and recognised Sita. Jatayu blood fire by the sight, he threw himself in the way of the aerial car crying: “Hold, hold! What is all this?” “The king of Lanka is carrying me away by force” wailed Sita. Jatayu ancestor who ruled the air, he cared not Ravana’s and his might. He only saw a princess in distress, he thought of his friend Dasaratha and his promise to Rama and he was resolved that this outrage should not occur while he lived to prevent it.
Jatayu now addressed Ravana directly: “Oh king, I am Jatayu, king of the eagles, a king like you. Listen to me , brother king! Forbearance from this wicked act. Is it not the rule of kings to protect the honour of women? And Sita is the princess. I warn you, you shall perish unless you leave her and go. Her very look will reduce you to ashes. You are carrying a venomous Cobra in your bosom. Get down from your car, and fight if you are not coward!”
Ravana flared up in a rage. He attacked Jatayu. It was like a clash between a mighty wind and a massive rain-cloud. The battle raged in the sky above the forest. Jatayu fought like a winged mountain. Ravana aimed deadly darts at him. But the eagle intercepted them all and with his talons tore Ravana’s flesh. He then despatched sharp, serpent-like missiles against the bird. The bird-hero was badly wounded, but fought on undaunted while Sita watched the unequal combat with beating heart and tearful eyes. Jatayu attacked the chariot and killed the demon faced mules and the chariot and smashed the vehicle into a thousand pieces. Ravana fell on the ground, still clutching Sita. The gallant old bird swooped down on Ravana’s back and tore great chunk of flesh off it, then Ravana let go Sita and unsheathing his sword cut off one of the bird’s wings. Jatayu’s enormous body crashed onto the rocky terrain in Chadayamangalam in the south of India (Jatayumangalam), and he lay there, gravely injured and on the verge of death.
The old bird was now helpless and was unable to move. Sita ran and embraced Jatayu and cried: “O my father! You have given
away your life for my sake. You are a second father to my Lord!” Than Ravana turned towards her to take her up again. Helplessly she ran hither and thither, crying. The Rakshasa at last caught her and rose in the air. Thus was Sita carried away by the Rakshasa. They went over mountains and rivers and Sita saw some people below standing on a hilltop. She took off her sash and tying up her jewels in it threw the bundle down. She did this hoping that the ornaments thus dropped may be seen by Rama and give him a clue of the direction in which she was carried away. Crossing Pampa and then the sea, Ravana entered the city of Lanka.
As Lord Rama and his brother, Lakshmana, searched for Sita Devi in the forest, they came across the dying Jatayu. Rama then discovers the broken wing and fallen chariot in the forest. Nearby lies badly wounded Jatayu. The noble bird, with his last breath, narrated the sequence of events and informed Lord Rama about Sita Devi’s abduction by Ravana and told him that Ravana had headed South. Touched by Jatayu’s sacrifice and bravery, Lord Rama performed the last rites for the fallen bird and bestowed upon him the honor of being treated like a noble warrior. As the two brothers continued searching for Sita, they encountered a Rakshasa named Kabandha, whose strength lay in his arms. After a brief fight, Rama cut off the arms of the Rakshasa. Kabandha then revealed that he was previously a Gandharva and had been cursed into Rakshasa life as he had made fun of sage Ashtavakra, whose body was bent in eight places. Now that Rama and Lakshmana were killing Kabandha, he would be able to return to his Gandharva life. Regaining his Gandharva form, Kabandha proposed that Rama and Lakshmana form a pact and ally with Sugriva, a leader of the monkeys. Vali, his elder brother, had exiled Sugriva. If Rama helped Sugriva regain his kingdom, he would become obliged to assist Rama in finding Sita. Kabandha also informed Rama that Sugriva could be found near the site of sage Matanga's hermitage on Lake Pampa. Then Rama and his brother Lakshmana continued their journey to Lake Pampa to search for Sugriva.
Jatayu’s Legacy
Jatayu Earth’s Center is home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, a magnificent depiction of Jatayu.This gigantic sculpture, with a wingspan of 150 feet wide and a length of 200 feet, is an architectural marvel that stands tall on a hill, overlooking the surrounding natural beauty. The sculpture of Jatayu is a splendid work of art, intricately carved to capture the essence of this divine bird. It is made of concrete and steel, and its sheer size and grandeur make it a sight to behold. The sculpture is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular tourist destination. The surrounding sculpture has a small water body (pond) which is believed to be made from the impact of Jatayu’s beak.
Jatayu’s selfless sacrifice for dharma and his valiant efforts to protect Sita have made him a revered figure in Hindu Dharma. He is often hailed as a symbol of courage, loyalty, and selflessness. Jatayu Vadh’s story is often cited as an example of the importance of upholding righteousness and protecting the weak, regardless of the obstacles or personal sacrifices involved. Jatayu's bravery and selflessness continue to inspire people to uphold noble values and fight against injustice.
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Video 1: Jatayu earth center
