Sri Rama encountering the Ocean-god

(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 19 to 22)

Sri Rama encountering Ocean-god

• Meditation: I meditate on Sri Rama encountering the Ocean-god in the Southern Sea.

• Sri Rama seeking refuge of the Ocean: Sugreeva and Hanuman asked Vibhishana the way to cross the mighty ocean. Vibhishana suggested that Sri Rama seek the refuge of the ocean. The ocean which was excavated by Sagara (a king of the dynasty of Sri Rama) will be inclined to extend help to Sri Rama. Sri Rama found the words of Vibhishana agreeable and sat down on the shore of the ocean on a seat of Kusa grass.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 19)

• Sri Rama encountering the Ocean-god: Sri Rama lied down on a bed of Kusha grass on the shore of the ocean seeking his refuge and a passage through the ocean for the vanara armies to cross. Sri Rama spent three nights in that manner. However, the Ocean-god did not appear before Sri Rama. Sri Rama became angry and took up his bow to agitate and dry up the ocean. Sri Rama released terrible arrows penetrating the ocean. The ocean became greatly agitated and smoke started coming out of it. The beings of the subterranean region became shaken. Lakshmana then restrained Sri Rama from releasing further arrows and suggested him to find alternative solutions. Sri Rama then took up the Brahma Astra and proceeded to dry up the ocean for making a passage for the vanaras. When Sri Rama stretched his bow, it greatly agitated the world and its creatures. The Ocean-god then appeared before Sri Rama and said that the nature of the elements are fixed by God. So the ocean is fathomless by its own nature. Its water cannot be solidified due to fear and favour. The Ocean-god agreed to suggest a way and bear a passage over him for the vanaras to cross. Sri Rama said that the Brahma Astra cannot be taken back and asked the Ocean-god a place to discharge it. The Ocean-god suggested a holy place called Drumatulya on its northern part which is infested by robbers. The place where Sri Rama released the arrow came to be known as the desert of Maru. The Ocean-god then suggested Sri Rama to build a bridge through Nala, the son of Vishwakarma and that he will bear that bridge.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 21 to 22)

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