Most of us have heard the fascinating incident about Rama and the squirrel from the epic Ramayana. The story of the little squirrel and how it grabbed Lord Rama’s attention is a story told and retold a million times in homes across India. It must be one of the favourite stories from the epics that are narrated by parents and grandparents to little children.

The story of Rama and the squirrel is not only interesting, but it also has many lessons for the young and old, for those rooted in tradition and for those with a so-called modern outlook. Here is the story of Rama and the squirrel from the Ramayana to read, enjoy, and learn.

Rama And The Squirrel

Rama was the eldest son of Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya and his eldest queen Kaushalya. A series of circumstances forced Rama into exile along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, for 14 long years. It was during the exile that the evil eyes of the King of Lanka, Ravana, fell on the divinely beautiful Sita.

The evil Ravana was smitten by her beauty, and using his treacherous means, abducted her and took her forcibly to his kingdom, Lanka. The land of Lanka lay beyond the vast ocean and was virtually impregnable.

Rama And The Squirrel – Rama Reaches The Ocean

A crestfallen Rama and a distraught Lakshmana set out in search of Sita. They came upon the dying Jatayu, who tells them about Ravana abducting Sita and carrying her off to his kingdom in the southern direction. Jatayu dies after relaying the information and Lord Rama gives him salvation. Rama and Lakshmana then continue in their quest for Sita.

They soon befriend the Vanaras including Sugriva and Hanuman, and along with the Vanara army soon reach the edge of the ocean beyond which lies the kingdom of Lanka, the home of the evil demon Ravana. Sita must surely e there somewhere in Lanka, thinks Rama, as they consult with Sugriva, Hanuman, and other senior leaders of the Vanara army on the next course of action and how to reach Lanka, beyond the ocean.

Rama And The Squirrel – Rama’s Anger

Rama sat before the ocean deep in meditation. He requested Varuna, the ocean God to give way so that he and his army could walk across to Lanka and rescue Sita. Even after praying and pleading to the ocean, there was no response from it.

The usually benign and calm Rama, distraught over the disappearance of his beloved Sita lost his cool and thundered at the ocean, “I have requested you with all humility to let us pass, but in your arrogance, you have chosen to ignore my request, now my arrows shall do the talking.

“Rama picked up his bow and aimed an arrow at the ocean. Varuna, the ocean God, started trembling, he knew that one arrow from Rama, would dry up all the water and kill all the marine life. The ecological balance of the world would be upset and would lead to the destruction of the earth.

The God of the ocean appeared before Rama with folded hands, and said, “I am just following the laws of nature, that are made by you, Oh Lord of the three worlds!” “I cannot go against the law of nature, but what I can do, is allow a bridge to be built over me, I shall bear the weight of rocks and allow your army to pass on it.” “Oh, Lord Rama, order your army to build a causeway over me.”

Rama And The Squirrel – Building The Great Causeway

It was an awe-inspiring sight. Mighty Vanaras carried massive boulders and huge trees, placing them in the ocean. The edge of the ocean witnessed frenetic activity. Hanuman wrote the words, “Shri Ram,” on each stone that was being used for building the causeway. A Vanara named Nala, who was the son of the divine architect Vishwakarma, supervised the construction of the bridge over the ocean.

Rama And The Squirrel – A Squirrel’s Service

It took 5 days for the bridge to be built, the motley army of Rama worked tirelessly, chanting the name of Rama. Not many noticed a squirrel scampering around, picking up tiny pebbles and putting them into the ocean. The squirrel too was contributing its mite towards the cause of building the great causeway.

A mighty Vanara, who was carrying a huge boulder, got disturbed by the constant scampering of the squirrel. He picked it up in anger, shouting, “Can’t you see that you are disturbing us in our work?”

“I am also helping in the construction of the great causeway,” replied the puny squirrel nonchalantly.

The Vanara started laughing at the thought of the tiny squirrel helping in building the giant bridge. It was nothing compared with the mighty warriors who were lugging massive rocks and trees to the ocean.

Rama And The Squirrel – A Lesson In Humility And Teamwork

Lord Rama noticed the exchange between the Vanara and the squirrel. He spoke to the Vanara and explained to him very gently, that no effort was big or small. Everyone could do their work based on their own capacities, which again were governed by the laws of nature. The capacity of the squirrel was to carry small pebbles and sand, which it was doing with complete commitment and devotion.

Lord Rama also explained that any task could be accomplished only by teamwork. Every team member had a task which was equally important. The final goal could be achieved with contributions from all the team members, however big or small. He explained that the small pebbles and the sand that the squirrel was carrying would serve to fill the gaps between the huge rocks that the mighty Vanaras were placing in the sea, and help in binding them together.

Rama And The Squirrel – The Squirrel Earns Its Stripes

Lord Rama lovingly picked up the squirrel in his hand, humbly thanking it for its efforts in the building of the great causeway. He affectionately stroked its back with infinite love. The joy of the squirrel was boundless as it scampered off to continue its service to the Lord. The squirrel carried with it a symbol of Rama’s love and affection. The mark of his fingers had left an eternal impression on the back of the squirrel. The squirrel had truly earned its stripes.

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