Why Did Ravana Keep Jatayu's Nails?

New Delhi: The battle between Ravana and Jatayu remains the highlight of Namit Malhotra's "Ramayana - Part 1." Viewers have likely never witnessed such a grand battle between Ravana and Jatayu. From the moment the film's trailer debuted, Jatayu became one of the most important characters in the "Ramayana" film. The makers have even announced a spin-off film on Jatayu. There's a scene in the film depicting the battle between Ravana and Jatayu that has captured people's attention and prompted them to ponder. The film depicts Ravana keeping one of Jatayu's nails after killing him, but why? Let's understand.

The scene fills the film with thrill

Jatayu was 60,000 years old, yet when he saw Ravana abducting Sita, he risked his life to save her. Knowing he might not be able to defeat Ravana, the old Jatayu confronted him nonetheless. Jatayu was a formidable warrior and had fought and won numerous battles alongside Dasharatha. The film depicts Jatayu cutting off Ravana's head at one point, but Ravana's head regenerated.

Jatayu almost defeats Ravana

Ravana retaliates, first cutting off Jatayu's wings and then brutally killing him. This is followed by a scene that captivated people's attention and forced them to think. After killing Jatayu, Ravana keeps one of his nails. The question arises: why? Jatayu is no ordinary foe for Ravana. He is a very capable warrior. Despite his age, when he sees Ravana taking Sita away, he confronts him. For Ravana, who was not used to listening to anyone, this was an insult.

What is the meaning of this scene in the film?

He wanted to pluck the very insect that had hurt his ego and keep it as a memento. This can be seen as a symbol of Ravana's arrogance. Even after defeating Jatayu, he doesn't simply walk away. He takes a part of the bird that hurt him, almost as if to remind him of the insult. However, it is important to note that the scene in which Ravana plucks Jatayu's nail and keeps it is a creative addition to the film. It is not mentioned in the original Valmiki Ramayana. In the Aranya Kanda, Jatayu tries to stop Ravana by reminding him that it is wrong to abduct another man's wife.