The Forgotten Hero: Sampati’s Role in the Ramayana

Akanksha Tiwari

Sep 11, 2025, 11:49 IST

Sampati, the elder brother of Jatayu, is a lesser-known yet vital figure in the Ramayana. Grounded by burnt wings but blessed with divine vision, he guided Hanuman and the vanaras to Sita’s location in Lanka. His story symbolizes wisdom in weakness and highlights how even unseen heroes shape destiny in timeless epics.

Sampati

When we think of the Ramayana, the name of Jatayu often comes to mind—the noble vulture who sacrificed his life trying to stop Ravana from abducting Sita. But hidden in this grand epic is the story of his elder brother, Sampati, whose contribution was equally crucial in Rama’s quest to find Sita.

The Brothers and Their Curse

Sampati and Jatayu

Sampati and Jatayu were the sons of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun God. Both were born as majestic vultures, known for their incredible strength and ability to soar great distances. One day, in their youth, the brothers challenged each other to fly as high as possible. Jatayu flew too close to the sun, and in an act of brotherly protection, Sampati spread his vast wings to shield him. The scorching rays of the sun, however, burned Sampati’s wings, and he fell to the earth, unable to fly again. This incident left him grounded, cursed to live in helplessness while Jatayu continued to soar in glory.

Jatayu’s Sacrifice and Sampati’s Grief

Sampati’s Role in the Ramayana

Years later, Jatayu met his heroic end at the hands of Ravana while defending Sita. When Sampati learned of his younger brother’s sacrifice, he was filled with both grief and pride. Though unable to fight himself due to his broken wings, he knew he still had a role to play in the greater destiny unfolding before him.

Hanuman Meets Sampati

Sampati and Hanuman

During the search for Sita, when Rama’s vanara army was losing hope, the monkey warriors led by Angad and Hanuman came across the aged and weakened Sampati. At first, they mistook him for a threat, but soon they realized his importance. Despite his physical limitations, Sampati possessed the power of divine vision (obtained through his penance and suffering).

Revealing Sita’s Whereabouts

Using this divine sight, Sampati looked across the seas and told Hanuman and the vanaras that Sita was in Ashok Vatika, in Ravana’s Lanka. This revelation was a turning point in the Ramayana, for it gave direction to Rama’s army and led to Hanuman’s legendary leap across the ocean to Lanka.

Symbolism of Sampati

Sampati’s Role in the Ramayana

Sampati’s story carries deep symbolism. While Jatayu represents courage and sacrifice, Sampati represents wisdom born out of suffering. His broken wings remind us that even those who seem limited can contribute greatly with knowledge, guidance, and foresight. In many ways, Sampati is the unsung hero who bridged the gap between despair and hope in Rama’s journey.

Beyond Sacrifice: A Legacy of Guidance

Though often overshadowed by Jatayu’s sacrifice and Hanuman’s heroism, Sampati’s role in the Ramayana is no less vital. By pointing the way to Sita, he became a guide at the most crucial moment of the epic. His story teaches us that even in weakness, there is strength; and even in loss, one can serve a higher purpose.

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