9. The Revelation of Sampati and the Path to Lanka
Coming out of the tunnel, the Vanaras saw the vast ocean roaring before them. They gathered under a huge rock to discuss their future course of action. The time allotted to them by Sugriva for the completion of their mission had already expired, and naturally, they were worried.
Angada’s Address
Addressing the Vanaras, Angada said, “Heroes and friends, you are all aware that our time has come to an end. You might recall that, following Hanuman’s advice, Sugriva initially ordered all the Vanaras to report to Kiskindhya within fifteen days. After Lakshmana met him, he sent word for us to gather in ten days. Subsequently, he tasked us with finding Sita Devi within a month. Now that the period is over, we must decide our next steps. Sugriva is a strict taskmaster, and I do not expect him to excuse our failure. I would not be surprised if he decides to punish us with death. A death in exile would be preferable to one at his command. Sugriva does not appreciate me; it is only at Sri Rama’s request that he made me the crown prince. This failure of ours would serve as a good pretext for him to kill me. Why should I face a humiliating death before my kin? It is better that I die quietly upon this seashore, without food or drink.”
A Grieved Response
The Vanaras were distressed by Angada’s words. Some expressed, “There is no point in returning to Kiskindhya. We should also choose to die here!”
“Why not re-enter the tunnel and hide from the world? There is plenty to eat there,” suggested Tar. “In hiding, we would be safe from any attack.” Listening to Angada, Hanuman thought, “This prince is indeed clever. He knows how to inspire sympathy at the right moment. I would not be surprised if he someday captures the throne from Sugriva!”
Hanuman’s Reassurance
Then Hanuman addressed Angada, “O prince, you are more gifted than your father in several respects. However, do not be under the impression that the Vanaras will always stand by your side; they have their homes and families to consider. A few of us, myself included, are too committed to our friendship with Sugriva to ever turn against him. Those who see this tunnel as a safe haven are mistaken; Lakshmana’s arrow can pierce stone walls. More importantly, do not misunderstand Sugriva’s character. I have no doubt he loves you as a son. He will never harm you. He is noble!”
Angada’s Defiance
However, Angada remained unconvinced. “Sugriva is not as noble as you portray him. His brother instructed him to guard the mouth of a cave while he faced a ferocious enemy. Instead of obeying, Sugriva blocked the cave entrance with a rock and abandoned the place. Don’t you remember how he forgot to return Rama’s kindness? If Sugriva has sent us to search for Sita Devi, it is only out of fear of Lakshmana. I have already spoken ill of Sugriva, and if he learns of it, it could cost me my life. No, I will not return to Kiskindhya. But I implore you all to go back. Please convey my regards to Rama and Lakshmana and tell them I harbor no grievances against them.” Angada then expressed sorrow for his mother and prostrated himself before the elder Vanaras, stretching out on the ground. At this sight, all the Vanaras wept. They too, after a refreshing dip in the sea, surrounded Sugriva and reminisced about past events: Rama’s arrival in the forest, Sita’s abduction, Jatayu’s death, Vali’s demise, and their own exploits.
The Danger Above
Suddenly, they heard a voice from the cave above them. It was a huge vulture: “I see plenty of food just below my beak!”
Angada whispered to the others, “I fear we are in danger. This vulture, Sampati, is the brother of Jatayu, who sacrificed his life in a futile attempt to rescue Sita Devi. We must be cautious.”
A Brother’s Grief
Sampati’s voice boomed louder, “Who speaks of my younger brother Jatayu and gives me such a shock? I have not heard anything about him for a long time. Listen, Vanaras, I have lost my wings and cannot descend. Would some of you come up and help me?”
The Vanaras hesitated but decided that since they were destined to die, avoiding risk was pointless. Angada climbed up and brought Sampati down. He then told him, “Sri Ramachandra, the son of King Dasaratha of the Ikshaku dynasty, has chosen to live in exile in the forest with his wife Sita Devi and younger brother Lakshmana to fulfill a commitment to his father. Sita Devi was kidnapped by Ravana while Rama was away. Jatayu witnessed Ravana abducting her; he bravely fought but was gravely injured. Rama later found Jatayu and performed his last rites. Rama then entered our kingdom and befriended Sugriva, our current king. We are now searching for Sita Devi on Sugriva’s orders, but we have yet to find any clues about her whereabouts.”
A Vulture’s Knowledge
Sampati replied, “O Vanaras, my brother Jatayu was killed by Ravana. It is a pity that I am old and wingless and cannot take revenge. My brother and I once soared high in the sky, but when we got too close to the sun, Jatayu became stricken by the heat. I tried to shield him with my wings, but they got burned, and I fell. I have had no word of him until now.” Angada queried, “Do you know where Ravana, the demon king, resides?”
Sampati replied, “My son! I saw Ravana carrying a beautiful lady away, forcibly. She cried out, ‘O Rama!’ I have no doubt it was Sita Devi. Ravana lives on an island named Lanka, the son of Vishravas and the younger brother of Kuvera. Lanka is situated a hundred Yojanas away, across the sea. If you can cross the sea, you will definitely find Ravana and Sita Devi. I would be delighted if you could bring about Ravana’s demise.”
The Journey Ahead
The Vanaras carried Sampati to the edge of the sea, and he performed a homage to Jatayu with the sea water. They rejoiced at learning of Ravana’s location. When Jambavan asked more questions, Sampati explained, “After my wings were charred, I fell upon this mountain. For years I have lived here and grown old. My son, Suparswa, brings me food. One day, he was late. When he finally arrived, I was furious and demanded an explanation. He calmed me down and told me he had seen a terrible-looking individual transporting an incredibly beautiful woman. Despite the man’s pleas for passage, Suparswa let him go, only to learn later that the man was Ravana, and the lady was Sita Devi.”
A Sage’s Blessing
Sampati continued his tale. “When I fell upon this mountain, it was eight thousand years ago, and there was an ashram here belonging to a great sage named Nishakara. I entered the ashram and waited for his return. Soon, I witnessed animals—lions, tigers, bears, elephants, deer, and snakes—silently following him. They left as silently as they came.”
“When the sage saw me, he approached and said, ‘O king of vultures, Sampati, I remember you and your brother well. Why do you look unwell? I see your wings are charred. Did someone curse you?’”
“I recounted my misfortune to the sage, explaining how we took to the skies and my attempt to save Jatayu led to my wings’ destruction. I expressed my desire to end my life. But the sage assured me that a time would come when you Vanaras would arrive to seek Sita Devi, and I would have my chance to help you. Then my wings would flourish again.”
As Sampati spoke, the Vanaras saw new wings sprouting on him. Excited, he proclaimed, “Look! The sage’s words are manifesting! I feel rejuvenated! There is no doubt you will succeed. Now let me test my wings!”
With that, Sampati took off and soon disappeared into the sky.