Lanka Victory Story – Chapter 7: Building the Bridge

Setu Bandhan (Construction of the Bridge)

After finding Sita Mata, Hanuman Ji returned to Lord Rama. Hearing his tale of victory, Rama's heart was filled with joy. Now it was time to attack Lanka, but the vast ocean was a major obstacle. To overcome this obstacle, the work of building a bridge was about to begin.

Preparation on the Seashore

The roar of the Vanara (monkey) army echoed on the shores of Rameshwaram. Every Vanara was eager to help in the work of their Lord Rama. Some were carrying huge rocks, while others were uprooting and bringing trees. An amazing confluence of enthusiasm and devotion was visible all around the shore. Rama was standing calmly, observing the entire process. The resolve to conquer Lanka was clearly visible in his eyes.

Jambavan encouraged the Vanaras, saying, "O Vanaras! These are not ordinary stones, but rocks sanctified by the power of Rama's name. Each rock is a step towards Lanka. Work with all your might, the grace of Lord Rama will always be upon us."

The Amazing Ability of Nala and Neela

The construction of the bridge was being supervised by two Vanara brothers named Nala and Neela. They had the amazing ability that anything touched by them would not sink in water. They had received this boon from a sage in their childhood. Nala and Neela were skillfully joining the stones, and the Vanara army was chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. The name of Rama was being written on every stone, due to which it became weightless and began to float in the sea.

As soon as Nala and Neela dropped the first stone into the sea, Rama joined his hands and prayed to the Sea God, "O Lord of the Ocean! Please grant us a path. This bridge is being built for the establishment of Dharma." The sea remained calm, but Rama's resolve was firm. Seeing his devotion and determination, the Sea God appeared and assured him not to obstruct the construction of the bridge.

Preparation for Departure to Lanka

In just a few days, the Vanara army built a bridge a hundred yojanas long. As soon as the bridge was built, a wave of enthusiasm ran through the Vanaras. Now Lanka was not far away. Rama, along with Lakshmana and Hanuman, stepped onto the bridge. The Vanara army was making the sky resound with the chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'. This journey towards Lanka was a symbol of the victory of Dharma over Adharma.

Rama said to Hanuman, "Hanuman, now the time for the end of Ravana is near. After freeing Sita Mata, we will return to Ayodhya. Dharma will be established and Ravana's ego will be shattered." Hanuman bowed at the feet of the Lord and said, "Lord, I am ready to offer my everything in your service."