Sampati is a significant character in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. He plays a crucial role in the search for Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, who is abducted by the demon king Ravana. Here's a detailed account of Sampati's story:
The Background of Sampati
Sampati and his younger brother Jatayu were the sons of
Aruna, who was the charioteer of the sun god Surya. Both Sampati and Jatayu
were powerful birds with immense strength and the ability to fly great
distances.
The Incident with the Sun
When they were young, Sampati and Jatayu once flew high into
the sky, attempting to outdo each other and see who could fly closer to the
sun. As they ascended, the heat from the sun became unbearable. To protect his
younger brother, Sampati spread his wings wide to shield Jatayu. As a result,
Sampati's wings were severely scorched, and he fell to the earth, landing near
the Vindhya mountains. Unable to fly due to his burnt wings, Sampati was
grounded and lived a life of hardship.
Sampati and the Vanara Army
When Sita was abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama and his brother
Lakshmana, along with their allies, the Vanaras (monkey warriors), embarked on
a mission to find her. The Vanaras, led by Hanuman, Angada, and Jambavan,
searched far and wide without success. Eventually, they reached the southern
tip of India, where they were exhausted and despondent.
Sampati, who was living in a cave nearby, overheard their
conversations about Sita's abduction and the search efforts. Recognizing an
opportunity to be of help, Sampati approached the Vanaras. He revealed his
identity and shared the story of his brother Jatayu, who had fought valiantly
to save Sita but was mortally wounded by Ravana.
Sampati's Vision
Despite his inability to fly, Sampati possessed keen
eyesight. From his vantage point, he had seen Ravana carrying Sita across the
ocean to Lanka. Sampati informed the Vanaras about Sita's location in Lanka,
confirming that she was held captive there by Ravana.
Sampati's Redemption
By providing this crucial information, Sampati played a
pivotal role in the Ramayana. His guidance renewed the Vanaras' determination
and led to the successful launch of their mission to Lanka. Hanuman, in
particular, took on the task of crossing the ocean to reach Lanka, thanks to
Sampati's accurate information.
Thus, Sampati's intervention marked a turning point in the
search for Sita. Despite his physical limitations, his wisdom and keen
observation significantly contributed to the eventual rescue of Sita and the
defeat of Ravana.
Sampati's story is a testament to sacrifice, resilience, and the importance of knowledge and wisdom in overcoming adversity.