Story of Nishakara Rishi and Sampati, is mentioned in the
Kishkindha Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana. Nishakara Rishi lived in an ashram in the
Vindhya Mountains . The Rishi gave refuge to
Sampati, a huge bird, who had lost his wings while trying to protect his
younger brother Jatayu.
Once Sampati and his younger brother Jatayu had a contest –
who could fly high. Jatayu flew so high that the heat of the sun started to
burn him. To protect Jatayu, Sampati flew above his younger brother and in the
process got his wings burned.
Sampati fell atop the Vindhya Mountains
and was found by Nishakara Rishi.
Nishakara Rishi, who could see future, told Sampati about
the incarnation of Sri Ram in the future. He then told the huge bird that
Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) will reach the place and when he guides them about
the whereabouts of Mata Sita, he will get back his wings.
Nishakara Rishi then took Samadhi.
Sampati then waited for the arrival of the Vanara Sena.
Thousands of years later the army arrived and Sampati helped them. He then got
his wings back.