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Then the monks through their knowledge narrated the past lives of the bird. The bird, once again, touched the feet of the monks. He was so overwhelmed with devotion that he pledged that he would renounce his habit of consuming carnivorous food and eating after sunset. The monks told Rama, "Now onwards, this bird shares your faith, he is now your brother in faith. It is your duty to protect his life and spiritual wellbeing." Then, the sages blessed them all and soared in the sky. The trio with utmost reverence offered Jatayu a seat in their chariot and left further.
Rāvana, the king of Demon clan had a sister
named Surpanakha. She was married to a king called Khara and had two sons namely Sambuka and Sunda. Sambuka wanted to possess Suryahasa, a mystical sword, and despite of his father's warnings reached Dandakaranya to appease the deity, who possessed this sword. It is imperative for a man desirous of having the sword, to practice an austere penance for twelve years and a week, in caverns surrounded by thick bamboo trees. Sambuka practised the austere penance for twelve years and four days. As a result, Suryahasa sword was clearly visible in the sky. Only three days of penance were left, after which Sambuka was going to be the master of the mystical sword.
17
Sītā's abduction
Śambūka, beheaded in between bamboo trees by Lakşmaņa While walking through the forest, Laksmana reached near a cave which was surrounded by thick bamboo trees. He noticed bright rays, penetrating through the long bamboo leaves. When he looked above, he noticed the divine sword. Laksmana just raised his hand and beholded the sword. Poor Sambuka spent the prime time of his life to posess that divine sword, and Lakşmana procured it effortlessly. With a resounding swish, he struck the bamboo trees with the newly found sword. Sambuka had hanged himself upside down on one of the branches because the austere penance demanded it. The sharp sword separated his head from the shoulder and the headless body began to dangel from the tree.
For the past lives of Jatayu refer appendix - 4 Jain Education International
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