The ocean was the greatest hurdle that lay before the army of Rama. The entire army was clueless as to how to cross over the ocean. Everybody was aware of the might of Rama’s arrows. But Rama being compassionate decided to pray to the Sea-god to give way to his army. Then he sat down on the coast to pray to the Sea-god. He prayed to the Sea-god for three consecutive days. But the Sea-god did not appear.
Then Rama burst out angrily, “Using courtesy with fools is a waste of time. Lakshmana, bring me my bow and quiver of arrows. I will dry up this arrogant ocean.”
Rama’s wrath caused the Sea-god to emerge from the waves. Bowing to Rama he said, “Lord, I am bound by the laws of Nature and cannot disturb them. You have in your army Nala and Neela, the sons of Vishwakarma (the architect of the gods). They were mischievous in their childhood. They used to throw away the kamandals of the sages in water. The sages loved them very much as they were little children. So, they cursed them that whatever they threw into water, would float. This curse became a boon for them. They can throw the rocks and the boulders and make a bridge. The army could then climb the bridge and cross my vast stretch.”
