Rama Searches for Sita

1. Rama and Lakshmana returned and found the cottage empty. Rama called Sita's name through the forest.
2. They discovered broken flowers, chariot marks and scattered ornaments. Each sign showed that Sita had resisted her captor.
3. Rama wept and asked trees, rivers and deer whether they had seen Sita. The Supreme Lord showed how deeply a faithful husband loves.
4. Lakshmana stayed beside Rama and encouraged Him to continue searching. Loving service sometimes means helping someone take the next step.
5. They found Jatayu lying wounded and at first feared he was an enemy. The bird softly spoke Sita's name.
6. Jatayu explained that Ravana had carried Sita southward. He was sorry that his strength had failed, but Rama praised his courage.
7. Jatayu left his body while Rama held him with affection. The Lord promised him a blessed destination.
8. Rama and Lakshmana performed Jatayu's funeral rites like loving sons. Gratitude does not forget a friend's sacrifice.
9. The brothers followed Jatayu's direction through unfamiliar forests. They watched for every clue.
10. A huge rakshasa named Kabandha caught them with enormously long arms. Rama and Lakshmana cut the arms and stopped his attack.
11. Freed from his frightening form, Kabandha became a radiant celestial being. He thanked Rama for releasing him.
12. Kabandha told Rama to seek the vanara prince Sugriva near Lake Pampa. Sugriva also lived in separation and needed a friend.
13. The brothers walked past clear streams and flowering hills. The path grew gentler as they neared the lake.
14. Rama still missed Sita at every moment, yet He followed each helpful sign. Hope can walk beside grief.
15. Near Lake Pampa lived an elderly devotee named Shabari. Her teacher had promised that Rama would one day visit her.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11