Ram Setu Construction Story – Chapter 3: Prayer to the Ocean and Solution

Prayer to the Ocean and Solution

After the wonderful organization of the monkey army, Lord Rama's army was ready to depart for Lanka. However, the vast ocean stood as an insurmountable obstacle in their path. This ocean was unfathomable and boundless, its waves constantly roaring, as if challenging Rama's army.

Rama's Prayer to the Ocean

Standing on the seashore, Lord Rama generated a feeling of reverence for the ocean in his mind. He respectfully observed how the ocean shelters countless creatures in its infinite depths, and how it plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. His eyes were filled with compassion, as he knew that he would have to disturb this peaceful ocean for the construction of the bridge. Rama looked towards the ocean with folded hands, his heart filled with devotion and humility. Rama's calm mind and patience were also inspiring the monkeys, who were all standing quietly watching Rama pray to the ocean.

“O Ocean God! I bow to you. I am Maryada Purushottam Rama, going to Lanka to free my wife Sita from Ravana's captivity. Please give me a path to reach Lanka with my army. I humbly request you to help me,” Rama said while praying. There was a wonderful combination of firmness and compassion in his voice.

Disrespect and Anger of the Ocean

For three days, Lord Rama prayed to the ocean, but the ocean remained silent. Its waves rose and fell as before, as if Rama's prayer was not reaching it. Rama was surprised, and a little anger also arose in his mind. He felt that the ocean was not listening to his humble prayer, and was turning away from its duty. Rama thought, 'Is this ocean really so arrogant that it ignores the prayer of a virtuous person?' His eyes turned red, and he raised his bow.

Angrily, Rama said to Lakshmana, "Saumitra, this ocean is not listening to my humble prayer. When someone does not agree with politeness, it is appropriate to punish them. Now I will dry up this ocean with my arrows." Saying this, Lord Rama placed an arrow on his bow, whose radiance was as bright as the sun. As soon as that arrow was aimed, there was a stir in the ocean, and it seemed as if the earth was trembling. Even the gods were frightened seeing Rama's anger.

The Ocean's Suggestion for Building a Bridge

Just as Rama was about to release the arrow, the Ocean God himself appeared. He was frightened, because Rama's arrow had so much power that it could actually dry up the ocean. He folded his hands and apologized to Rama, saying, "O Lord, forgive me. I could not recognize your glory. I know that you are Narayan himself, and I am ready to obey your command." The Ocean God said that his nature is bound by limitations, so it is not possible to give a direct path. Then he suggested that two monkeys named Nala and Neela, who have received the boon of craftsmanship, could build a bridge for Rama's army. He said that the stones that the monkeys would throw would float by his grace. In this way, Rama found a solution to his problem and a wave of enthusiasm ran through the monkey army.