The Killing of Jatayu

Jatayu, king of vultures was living near Panchavati which contained Rama's hut. He heard Sita's screams names of Rama and Laxman. He came out and hit Rawana's craft with his strong wings. It fell and broken to pieces. Enraged Rawana took out his sword and hit Jatayu fatally. Finally Rawana carried the helpless Sita to Lanka.

kamat.com/Kamat's Potpourri

Killing of Jatayu Bird
Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Jatayu, a bird devotee of Lord Rama is mauled by Rawana
Painting by Ravi Varma, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Collection, Mysore

• Source of Pictures: Chitra Ramayana by Ramachandra Madhwa Mahishi, Illustrated by Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi, 1916 and Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Mysore, 1995
• Commentary: Dr. Jyotsna Kamat