Lepakshi (లేపాక్షి)
Today: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh (Telugu tradition)
As Ravana flew south carrying Sita, the brave old eagle Jatayu attacked him in mid-air to save her - even though he knew he was too old to win. Ravana cut his wings, and Jatayu fell to the earth, holding on to life just long enough to tell Rama what had happened. Telugu tradition says he fell right here in Andhra Pradesh, and that Rama called out "le, pakshi!" - "rise, O bird!" - which is how the town of Lepakshi got its name. You can still visit its famous temple today.
What happened here
- Sita's Abduction by Ravana: The eagle Jatayu falls defending Sita