Those born in this world have to face both joy and sorrow. Rama, the Avatara Purusha, is no exception in this case, when he is shown as unable to bear the loss of Sita. Valmiki describes in detail the anguish, frustration and disappointment of Rama. Many poets after Valmiki have expressed their inability to capture the sorrow faced by Rama. But Sage Suka interprets Rama’s sorrow at this juncture as perfectly normal and acceptable to anyone who is caught in the grip of samsara, pointed out Nochur Sri Venkataraman in a discourse. Rama wanders through the forest in great distress in quest of Sita to show to the world that this is the miserable fate of persons who are bound by attachments to people, places and objects.
Rama then sees indications of a recent fight. Rama and Lakshmana come across blood clots, fragments of a chariot, royal headgear, jewels, broken bow, torn flag and crushed armour. They see Jatayu whose life is ebbing away. Jatayu informs Rama of how he had tried to fight with Ravana and save Sita and how Ravana had overpowered him by cutting off his powerful wings. Jatayu consoles Rama and Lakshmana as a father would his distraught sons. “None can control the unpredictable fate which decides the joys and sorrows of our lives. When grief comes it is folly to brood over it. But be not afraid for you will surely find Sita. Now go forth and fight the treacherous rakshasa who has caused pain and sorrow to dharma and the celestial beings.”
Rama is overpowered with compassion. He feels inadequate to return Jatayu’s act of selfless service. Even the ultimate goal of life liberation, which He alone can grant to deserving jivatmas, seems to be not sufficient in this case. Rama considers Jatayu as His own father, places him on His lap, gives him water and personally performs the final obsequies and grants him Moksha.
