A Vulture Called Sampaati

From the Sundarakanda Of Ramayana

It was my birthday when I first laid eyes on Sampaati, perched on the ledge overlooking the river Mandovi. As I hurried past, lost in my own thoughts, Sampaati seemed to challenge me with its gaze, daring me to connect. Amidst the bustling crowd visiting the mangroves, this solitary figure commanded my attention.

For nearly a month, Sampaati remained a constant presence, always there when I passed by, silently urging me to acknowledge its existence. I couldn’t help but feel a connection to this lone visitor, so I bestowed upon it the name Sampaati, after the legendary scavenger bird who aided the Vanara in their search for Sita.

As the days passed, Sampaati became a familiar stranger, a silent companion on my journey. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that its presence held a deeper significance. Intrigued, I reached out to the ‘Salim Ali Bird Watching Club’ to learn more, only to discover that Sampaati was none other than the Indian Vulture.

In many cultures, vultures are associated with negativity and ill omens. However, I found solace in the realization that the Kannada name for vultures, Geedaga, derived from Garuda, the revered mount of Lord Vishnu. Perhaps there was more to Sampaati’s presence than met the eye.

Driven by curiosity, I took a moment to connect with Sampaati’s energy, to listen to what it had to say. In that silent communion, I found a profound sense of peace. Sampaati spoke to me of its place in the natural order, of the necessity of removing the old to make way for the new.

The vulture, I realized, was not a harbinger of doom, but a symbol of rebirth, abundance, and purification. It taught me the importance of patience, commitment, and embracing new challenges, even as I cleansed myself of past burdens.

As I delved deeper into the symbolism of the vulture, I discovered its significance in dreams and as a totem animal. In dreams, the vulture urged me to confront my inner conflicts, to purify my mind and soul. As a totem animal, it represented keen observation, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

I was humbled by the guidance I received from Sampaati, my silent mentor. Today, armed with newfound knowledge and understanding, I set out to capture its essence through the lens of my camera. Alongside Sampaati, the white-headed eagle, another visitor to the mangroves, awaited my attention.

In the silent company of these majestic birds, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and renewal, guided by the wisdom of the universe and the teachings of my avian mentors.

• Vulture as Power Animal:
  • Symbolizes rebirth, abundance, positivity, and good luck.
  • Represents purification and the removal of debris, both physically and metaphorically.
  • Teaches patience, commitment, and embracing new challenges in life.
  • Guides towards cleansing the old to make way for the new.
• Vulture in Your Dreams:
  • Indicates a need to resolve inner conflicts and purify the mind.
  • Suggests facing and overcoming challenges or obstacles.
  • Can serve as a reminder to let go of negativity and embrace renewal.
  • Reflects the importance of introspection and inner healing.
• Vulture as Totem Animal:
  • Represents keen observation and patience in waiting for opportunities.
  • Symbolizes resourcefulness and adaptability in different environments.
  • Offers guidance in recognizing the value of every situation, even the unpleasant ones.
  • Encourages embracing change and transformation for personal growth

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Subfamily: Aegypiinae (Old World vultures) / Cathartinae (New World vultures)

This classification encompasses both Old World vultures, found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and New World vultures, found in the Americas.

written for blogchatterA2Z challenge.

Reference Sampaathi is the older brother of Jatayu He appears in the Sundarakanda of Ramayana.