Story of Nishakara Rishi and Sampati in Ramayana

Story of Nishakara Rishi and Sampati, is mentioned in the Kishkindha Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana. Nishakara Rishi lived in an ashram in the Vindhya Mountains. The Rishi gave refuge to Sampati, a huge bird, who had lost his wings while trying to protect his younger brother Jatayu.

Once Sampati and his younger brother Jatayu had a contest – who could fly high. Jatayu flew so high that the heat of the sun started to burn him. To protect Jatayu, Sampati flew above his younger brother and in the process got his wings burned.

Sampati fell atop the Vindhya Mountains and was found by Nishakara Rishi.

Nishakara Rishi, who could see future, told Sampati about the incarnation of Sri Ram in the future. He then told the huge bird that Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) will reach the place and when he guides them about the whereabouts of Mata Sita, he will get back his wings.

Nishakara Rishi then took Samadhi.

Sampati then waited for the arrival of the Vanara Sena. Thousands of years later the army arrived and Sampati helped them. He then got his wings back.