Rama decided to pray to the god of the ocean, Saagara, to find a path to Lanka. He sat on the shore and for three days he kept praying, but there was no response from Saagara. On the third day, Rama burst out angrily, “Using courtesy with fools is a waste of time! They understand only fear of consequences. Lakshmana, bring me my bow and quiver of arrows. I will dry up this arrogant ocean!” Rama’s arrows caused havoc among the sea-creatures. Saagara, the ocean-god, emerged from the waves. Bowing to Sri Rama he said, “Lord, I am bound by the laws of nature and cannot disturb them. I will tell you how to go cross to Lanka. You have in your army Nala, the son of the architect of the gods. Ask the vanaras to throw in logs and boulders and I will hold them up. You may then cross, using this bridge.”
Saagara Submits
