When the Ocean Trembled: Rama's Show of Power

Now, the biggest challenge before the monkey army was crossing the ocean. He sat on the ocean bank and prayed to the ocean god for three days and nights. But the ocean god did not answer his prayers. The ocean god's behavior angered Rama.

"The ocean god is audacious," said Rama to Lakshmana. "Even after all types of persuasion, he does not reveal himself. The calm nature, courage, virtues, and politeness of good people are often mistaken as their weaknesses. The world understands the language of harshness and wickedness. It looks like victory in war is impossible without violence. So, we must renounce non-violence and resort to violence. Lakshmana, the time has come for us to erase this ocean's existence and all the creatures living inside it. With my Fire arrow, I will dry up the water of this ocean. Bring my bow and arrows. Today, this ocean will see my power."

The three worlds trembled with fear as Rama nocked an arrow on his bow. The ocean god was petrified. The creatures living inside the ocean became distraught and wandered here and there for shelter. The ocean god finally appeared!

"Earth, wind, sky, water, and fire all behave according to their nature," the ocean god said to Rama with folded hands. "I, too, have my nature. As per my nature, I create an obstacle to crossing the ocean. Making way for you is contrary to my nature. All I can do is remain calm until your army crosses the ocean. I can also ensure that the devious creatures living in the sea will not harm you. Your army has Nala, the son of Vishwakarma, who has received many boons from his father. Like Vishwakarma, he is adept at building things. He can build a bridge over my water. I will protect that bridge." After saying this, the ocean god vanished.

Nala heard the ocean god's words and said to Rama, "Like my father, I am well-versed in the art of building. My father had given my mother a boon on Mount Mahendra that I would be an accomplished builder like him. I had not revealed this to anyone before today because, until today, no one had asked me anything. But I am ready to build the bridge because this is the best time to demonstrate my talent."

After receiving Nala's order, the monkeys began to get the raw materials for constructing the bridge. They uprooted and carried large trees, hefted gigantic boulders on their shoulders, and brought these materials to the seashore. Hanuman also participated by writing Rama's name on each boulder. The estimated length of the bridge was a hundred yojanas. The monkeys accomplished the arduous task of building the bridge at full speed.

Rama and Lakshmana sat on a boulder and watched the completion of the bridge. It is said that a squirrel also participated in the bridge's construction. He would wet his tail in the water, cover his body with sand, and bring it. The monkeys saw its efforts and started laughing. They told the squirrel to run away lest it get trampled under their feet. It got scared, went near Rama's feet, and sat down. Respecting its feelings, Rama lifted it in his palm and gently stroked it.