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Story Of Sampati Getting Back His Wings In Ramayana

The story of Sampati and his regained wings is a poignant episode in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, highlighting themes of sacrifice, fate, and redemption.

Sampati and his younger brother Jatayu were the sons of Aruna, who was the charioteer of the Sun god, Surya, and they were grandsons of the great bird Garuda. The two brothers shared a deep bond and often embarked on adventurous flights together. One day, in a spirit of playful rivalry, Sampati and Jatayu decided to test their limits by competing to see who could fly higher.

As they soared higher and higher, they came dangerously close to the scorching rays of the sun. Jatayu, being younger and less experienced, was at greater risk of being burned. Sampati, with his immense love for his brother, spread his wings wide to shield Jatayu from the sun's intense heat. In doing so, Sampati's wings were severely burnt, causing him to plummet down to earth. Jatayu, thus saved, continued to fly back to safety.

Sampati landed on the Vindhya mountains near the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent, in great pain and with his wings charred and useless. He found himself stranded and unable to fly. Over time, he grew despondent, feeling that his life had lost its purpose without the ability to soar the skies.

As Sampati lay in his plight, a sage named Nishakara noticed his suffering. The sage was moved by Sampati's tale of sacrifice for his brother. He blessed Sampati and foretold that in the distant future, his destiny would bring him the chance to serve a greater purpose. Nishakara told Sampati that one day, a group of Vanaras (monkey warriors) would come seeking help in their quest to find Sita, the abducted wife of Rama. When that time came, Sampati would guide them and as a result, would regain his wings.

Years passed, and true to the sage's prophecy, a troop of Vanaras led by Hanuman came to the Vindhya mountains during their search for Sita. Desperate and dejected, the Vanaras had little hope of finding her. When they encountered Sampati, he overheard their conversations and, remembering the sage’s prophecy, approached them.

Sampati informed the Vanaras that he had seen Sita being taken to Lanka by Ravana. Using his keen eyesight, he described the direction and the location of Lanka across the ocean. His detailed guidance was invaluable to the Vanaras, renewing their hope and determination. This critical information set the stage for Hanuman’s leap across the ocean to Lanka, marking a pivotal moment in their quest.

In fulfilling the prophecy and aiding the Vanaras, Sampati’s wings were miraculously restored. This not only symbolized his physical restoration but also his redemption and the fulfillment of his destiny. His selfless act of sacrifice for his brother was finally rewarded, reaffirming the themes of dharma (righteous duty) and karma (action and its consequences) that run deeply through the Ramayana.

Thus, Sampati’s story, while a minor episode in the grand narrative of the Ramayana, underscores the profound moral and spiritual lessons intrinsic to this ancient epic.

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Why Hanuman Is Known As Bajrangi?

  • A. He has Vajra weapon
  • B. He killed demon named Bajrang
  • C. He has a body as strong as thunderbolt
  • D. He has red color body