66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

of spirit and wisdom. He had been a great friend of
Dasaratha at one time, associated with him on battlefields;
they had been so close that at one time Dasaratha had
remarked, “You are the soul, I am the body. We are one.”
Rama was happy to meet a contemporary of his father’s in
this remoteness. Jatayu also welcomed him as his foster
parent. When he learnt of the death of Dasaratha, he broke
down and swore to end his life. But Rama and Lakshmana
pleaded, “Having lost our father, just when we found solace
in meeting you, we cannot bear to hear of your ending your
life. Please desist.” In deference to their wish Jatayu
promised to live at least until Rama could return to Ayodhya
after his term of exile, meanwhile taking upon himself the
task of protecting them, especially Sita, during their sojourn
at Panchvati. He led the way to Panchvati on the banks of
the Godavari, suggesting, “While I fly, follow me in the
shadow of my wings.”
When Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita reached the Godavari
River’s bank, they were enchanted with their surroundings.
Rama felt a great tenderness for his wife, who looked
particularly lovely adorned with the ornaments given by
Anusuya. Rama glanced at her whenever a beautiful object
caught his eye. Every tint of the sky, every shape of a flower
or bud, every elegant form of a creeper reminded him of
some aspect or other of Sita’s person.