During the search for Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, the search party comprising Hanuman, Angada, Jambavan, and others, encountered Sampati, the son of Garuda, near the seashore. Sampati, who had keen eyesight and a great knowledge of the surrounding regions, provided them with crucial information about Sita's whereabouts.
The Encounter with Sampati
Sampati, who had been residing by the seashore, overheard
the vanaras (monkey warriors) discussing their mission to find Sita. He
approached them and offered his assistance by sharing his knowledge about
Ravana and his fortress in Lanka. He mentioned that his son, Suparshwa, played
an integral role in their lives.
Story of Suparshwa
Suparshwa, the devoted son of Sampati, lived in the
Himalayas and provided for his father by bringing him food. One fateful day,
Suparshwa returned late from his usual errands. Concerned, Sampati inquired
about the reason for his delay. Suparshwa recounted a startling incident: he
had witnessed Ravana, the demon king, carrying away a fair lady who was weeping
and struggling in his grasp. Realizing that this lady must be Sita, Suparshwa
hesitated to attack Ravana, fearing that he might harm her inadvertently. Thus,
he let Ravana go, choosing not to intervene directly.
Offer to Help the Vanaras
As Sampati was narrating this tale to the vanaras, Suparshwa
arrived at the scene. Misunderstanding the situation and considering the
vanaras as potential prey, Suparshwa prepared to attack them. However, the
vanaras quickly sought refuge behind Sampati. Sampati calmed his son and
explained the situation, instructing Suparshwa to assist the vanaras in their
quest.
Sampati suggested that Suparshwa could carry the vanaras
across the ocean to Lanka on his back, ensuring their safe passage. Despite
this generous offer, Angada, the leader of the vanaras, politely declined. He
expressed confidence in the divine heritage and capabilities of the vanaras,
stating that they would find their own way to cross the ocean.
Acknowledging the determination and valor of the vanaras, Sampati and Suparshwa did not insist further. They thanked the vanaras for their bravery and set off back towards the Himalayas. This encounter not only provided the vanaras with valuable information about Sita's location but also highlighted the deep bond between Sampati and Suparshwa, showcasing their willingness to aid in the noble cause.
This particular episode of the Ramayana is detailed in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, an important regional retelling of the epic that includes unique stories and variations from the original Sanskrit version by Valmiki.