This photo was shot on Aug 29 2023 at Pattadakal temple complex. This relief sculpture- Jatayu Ravana battle -is one of the several sculptures decorating the exterior walls of Virupaksha Gudi. Chalukyan sculptors have depicted good-bad pairs or positive-negative pairs.. maybe these are not the right phrases but they convey the message. Another sculpture in the vicinity is Shiva and Apasmara. Also in the vicinity is another sculpture of a male character armed with a spear, in the act of slaying. I'm still trying to identify the characters. For now, let's get back to Jatayu and Ravana.
After snatching Sita from Rama's hermitage at Panchavati, Ravana flees in his aerial chariot Pushpaka Vimana. The terrified Sita's screams are heard by Jatayu the eagle like demigod who was sworn to protect the trio Sita, Rama & Lakshmana. Jatayu takes off and attacks Ravana midair. However the aged Jatayu, despite fighting valiantly, was no match for Ravana's prowess. Ravana slashes off Jatayu's wings, injuring him grievously, thereby ending the battle.
Later, back on the ground, the grievously injured Jatayu is found by Rama and Lakshmana. Jatayu tells them to go to Ravana's kingdom Lanka and takes his last breath.
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