Bridge across Sea
(Sethu Bhandanam)
To enable Vanara Army cross the sea, Rama did Charanam ( Refuge, Your Lotus Feet, Shelter, Help, Asylum, Support or all of these) to King of Ocean. When he did not come “Lakshmana bring the Bow” threatened thus. Still he did not come he stirred him with his Bahanas (Arrows with Fethers) even then he did not come to create special fear in him, with rage said “ Now itself I will dry you till Pathalam (Earths inner core) I will erase the word Ocean. Because of my Bhanas (Arrow with feather) the water will dry including the water soaked in the ground, I will burn all your energy, even if all the dark clouds join together and pour rains for Trillions of years there will not be a single drop of water only dust will raise; see. If you ask ‘if all the water is drained then you can see Pathaal (Earth beneath the sea) There you will not go. Don’t you have to go via sky lane? Why can’t we do that now itself? Why are you getting angry unnecessarily? ‘ the Bhanas (Arrows with feathers) will take the Vanara Army upto Lanka. You can not fathom the Valour and Strength adequately. The place Dhanava reside is in you, due to their friendship you have also caught ignorance from them. You are not able to imagine the agony you will undergo from the Brahmasthram (weapon system) I am going to shoot now (pl know I can either solidify the water and make the Army march over you or make bridge with Arrows or Drain out the water from you. Bound by the Philosopy of Charanagthi I sought Charanam (Refuge, Your Lotus Feet, Shelter, Help, Asylum, Support or all of these) unto you. Though I have all the powers, I have to bind myself to the Nature’s Law and sought shelter and if you do not yield that will result in a disaster which you are not aware - as per Theerthiyam) so like the Brahma dhanda (At the end of 1000 Chathur Yugas ie 43200 Million Years at the end of Brahma’s day he uses this Staff which emits Inferno to destroy all his creations in the Universe is called Dhholakethu or Brahma’s curse) a Bhana (Arrow with fether) with special powers he chanted the Brahamsthra (weapon System) and launched- then it looked like the Earth & Sky exploded. Huge Mountain ranges trembled; world was engulfed in darkness; Direction were not visible; Lakes and Rivers were stirred; Sun & Moon joined the stars in Haphazard manner; Sky became dark; Sun rays were of lesser intensity there were embers of inferno falling from the Sky with the Thunderous clap. It is stated that there are Seven life giving breath airs in the body. They are 7 Avaham, Pravaham, Nivaham, Varaham, Udvaham. Avaham & Pravaham and other Airs were moving around freely leaving their places Strong Storms broke trees, broke the clouds into smithereens, broke the peaks, the tips of the Mountains will be broken, and broke the Mountain ranges. The big dark clouds were covering the sky were dashing against one another created huge Thunder and Lightning streaks were created.
Those which were visible to the Human Eyes and Pishacham (Ghosts / Spirits) were afraid and fell unconscious with thunderous sound and were lying imobilised. When Rama stared using his Arrows the waves of the ocean strated gaining height (High tides like Tsunami) When Brahmasthra was Launched the Nagas(Serpent clan) , Rakshsaas, maritime mamals with their entourages huddled together the huge tides were Like Moutains and were lashing out really scarry to look at. The Sea which never crosses the shore went 300 metres inside and swallowed the shore(Tsunami !!). Rama did not chase and torment the ocean which was scared and running away. Rama who had the Prabhavam (Greatness, Aura, Blessings, Grace) who can uproot the Enemy had mercy for that proud King of ocean.
Then Like the Sun rises from Meru Mountain, from the centre of the ocean its presiding Deity came out
The huge Serpents with Faces which were like burning embers were surrounding him and came. Samudhra Raja (King of Ocean) shone like the Daimond Mountain (Lapiz-Lazuli), Gold of Jahmbhunatham, Jhatahrupam were with Rarest of gems embedded in them with uniqu and Novel ornaments was adorning him. He was like Himagiri Mountain which was dazzling with metals shining all over. With Eyes like the Lotus flower petals, with Red garlands, with exquisite garments and a garland comprising of all Flowers was worn by him on the HeadThe Pearl necklace had a red pendant in the centre.it shone like the Kausthubha Gem on Mahavishnu’s chest. Te waves were swirling. The Sea was coagulated due to Dark clouds and Strong storm like winds. Large marine mamals came out of their places. The Urga and Rakshasaa entourages were devastated; then the King of Ocean seeing Rama came very fast to express his friendship called him, with hands clasped and raised over his head looking at Rama who was having the Kothanda (Bow) said “the 5 elements Like Earth, Water, Wind, Light / Fire, Space since time immemorial do not cross their boundaries of their Discipline What is it you need from you as you are capable of doing everything by yourself? Should I make the sea Depth less? Should I Solidify the Water withour flow? Or shall I make materials which will not sink and make it favourable to build a bridge? It is my Nature to be deep and not crossable. I can’t be against that natural trait. So I can’t be made depth less. I can not make Water immovable for greed of wealth, afraid of punishment, without forsaking the water for any of these reasons as it will cause more harships for those Marine mamals living there. Aren’t you the great King who establishes all Dharmas? I will to the extent possible help you. Till the Vanara Army crosses the sea, the marine mamamals will not cause hindrance to them; Monkey will not fall in the water; The Bridge you are going to construct will be sturdy, and will make it to be like Hard Ground. No construction material of this Bridge will be subject to corrosion by water.” Thus Prayed the King of Ocean (Samudhra Raja).
WASHINGTON (PTI) -- The NASA Shuttle has imaged a mysterious ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka, as mentioned in the Ramayana. The evidence, say experts matter-of-factly, is in the Digital Image Collection.
For that Rama asked“ The Brahmasthra (Weapon system) which I launched on you will not go waste. Where shall I send it? The great thejhasivi Samudhra Raja saw the Brahmasthra and said “ Lord ! there is a beautiful place in the North of here, it is famously known as Thrumakulyam . There are some Thiefs who are strong and able bodied who Live there. Those sinners touching and drinking my water I can’t stand it. Please Redirect it on them and satisfy the Asthra norm. Rama accordingly used the Bhana on the place pointed out by King of Oceans. The Rama bhana which was like a fireball fell in a place came to be known as Marukandharam (Desert).The Earth which was pierced by the Bhana was wailing hoarsely. From their hole the water spring from Rasahtalam sprang out.That is known as ‘Varnakupa’. The water coming out of this spring Is Salty like sea water. Due to the Velocity of the Fire emating Bhaana (Arrow) that place in Earth exploded with thunderous noise and the water in that place parched. Rama did make amends for parching that place, by naming it Marukandharam and blessed with rare boons. The Grass which the Cows graze without any disease, full of Fruits, Roots & Honey. Milk, oil seeds, Medicinal herbs were available in abundance here, thus due to Rama’s Mahimai (Greatness, Glory, Honour, Achievements, Prowess) that place becam famous namely Marukandharam.
Then King of Ocean spoke to Rama who is the knower of all Sashtras (Vedic Doctrines) “in your Army there is a Warrior known as ‘NALA’. He is son of Vishwakarma (Divine Architect). He blessed his mother ‘a Son will be born to you with my Prowess’; hence Nala is equal to his Father. Let him construct a bridge over me; Like Vishwakarma I will honour him I will ensure and protect now Pic 1a,1b the materials put by him does not sink in the Ocean“ thus saying the King of Ocean took Leave, after doing Pradhakshinam (Going around in clockwise direction) he went to his abode.
Then Nala with folded hands spoke to Rama “I will build Bridge in this vast sea. What King of Ocean said is True. I have the capability of my Father. In the world there Is no better way than occasional use of Stick **(Spare the rod spoil the child) to get the
**(These Stones were personally seen by me and my wife on 14th April 2011 at Rameshwaram in several places, we also went to Dhanushkodi )
Work done.Sama Dhana i.e., Counselling, negotiate, entice with wealth, are of no use with who do not have brain or common sense. This Great King of Ocean has the desire to see you construct the Bridge, afraid of the punishment you will mete out to him, he has made this path without much depth **( Rama sethu project is facing obstacles as there is severe dredging under taken to destill the sand, it is not working out and dredger met with an accident I understand from news reports) { As per Govindacharya King of Ocean cashed in on the opportunity to get rid of his opponents in Thrumakulya with Rama’s help. May be he was haughty that he is his original father in Law as Mahalaskhmi came from ocean churning !!!! Also wanted to test Prowess of Rama Vis a vis Ravana May be because Rakshasaas reside in him?}. Once when my Father was with my Mother in Manthara Mountain gave her Boon ‘You will beget a Son like me’.The King of Ocean reminded me now of that. What he spoke is True; further I knew this secrecy even before; if I had told it myself there would not have been confidence in undertaking such a massive task. So I waited for someone else to bring it out, hence I waited. I have the capability to build bridge in Sea. Let the best of Vanaras bring the requisite materials now” said Nala. Rama accordingly issued instructions ,Vanaras in thousands went to Forest, Mountains brought huge trees dragged it to the sea shore. Aacha, Bilva, Ezhilpala Mango Tres with and without Roots, with Flowers, buds, Fruits, unripe fruits plucked and brought them **(Source of Food for construction activity?) Like the indradwajhas were installed they laid it on top of the Sea and covered it, Great Strong Vanaras (Monkeys) excavated Huge boulders from the Mountains with the innovative methods brought them to Sea shore. The Sea which by nature has high tides / waves rose up as the trees, boulders, mini mountains were spread on it; Vanaras walking on them stirred the Sea. Some got the ropes ready while in construction of Bridge 100 Yojhanas (30 kms or 22 miles) wide they ties, pulled stretched so that Bridge is even without undulation. While Nala was constructing the bridge across the sea, the Vanaras each one carried many Large Boulders did things which other can’t emulate and thus they helped Nala. Some with measuring instruments were executing the work. Some supervised the work with stick shouting instruction for the Speedy Construction of the work. Some were inspecting whether the Bridge was even in surface with sprit Level like instruments and skills. Some woke up the relaxing Vanaras who were taking rest in shades and brought them.
In order to fulfill Rama’s command countless Vanaras brought huge mountains akin to large clouds along with Trees, wood, grass, Flowered Trees were used for making smooth surface to walk on, Vanaras who were like Rogue Elephants ran carrying huge mountains, The sound of throwing Boulders and dashing and blasting the Mountains emanated huge sound which quelled the sound of the sea. Great Strong Vanaras with huge monstrous looking physique with jubilant happiness constructed the bridge for 14 Yojhans(4 km), 2nd day 20 Yojhanas(6 km) , 3rd day 21 Yojhanas(6 km), 4th day 22 Yojhanas(7 km), with Keeping Suvayla Mountain as border, the balance 23 Yojhanas(7 km) were also constructed thus they completed the 100 Yojhans (30 kms distance or 22 miles) Palk straits in 5 days **(which feat can’t be emulated even today in the advance scientific world from concept to commissioning). Vishwakarma’s son, strong and great Vanara Nala very cleverly constructed the Bridge. It looked like the Swathi express way in the sky. (Sun have 3 paths Utharam, Dhakshinam, Madhyamam. In the Rishbha Lane Poorvaphalghuni, Uthraphalghuni, Magam stars and Hastham, Chitra, Swathi in Madhya path, Jhasta, Vishaka, Anuradha in Ajhaga Path these 3 are Madhya Expressway - Says VayuPuran). To witness this awesome feat Devas (Celelstials), Gandharvas, Sidhas, Sages came in hordes in the sky Lane. The bridge was 100 Yojhanas (30 kms or 22 miles) Long and 10 Yojhansa wide (3 kms or 2.2 miles wide). Which can’t be done by others except the intelligence of Nala who constructed it. They were ecstatic to see them. **( recently China has constructed A 22-mile bridge that its builders claim is the world's longest sea-crossing structure was formally linked-up Tuesday just south of the business hub of Shanghai, will take 6 more months to lay the 6 lane motorway which took 18 Months to build) .
With no obstacles faced the bridge having been constructed the happy Vanaras pounced and ran on to the bridge; some leaped; some jumped; some roared; some were awaestruck the bridge which none had constructed so far, which can’t be conceptualized even in imagination, impossible to build and surprise in nature they were Looking at it Dazed with excitement. Vanaras in billions while they were helping those who were building the bridge crossed over to the other side of the shore. Like the beautiful Ladies Hairs are spilt in the head while combing and entwining Braids with the middle parting of the Hair (Like most Indian Ladies do) this Bridge too was akin to that and was awe some to look at. This Bridge which was constructed in the middle of the Sea was broad, strong, sturdy, beautiful to look at, without any faults, with out undulations of ups and downs but even and smooth surface sagaciously constructed by Nala. In the Southern coast line (Lanka side) Vibheeshana was standing with his Mace in hand surrounded by his Ministers, gaurding the place and was waiting to destroy the enemies.Then Sugreeva said “Please get on top of Hanuman’s shoulder so do Laskhmana on top of Angadha’s shoulder, they will take you very quickly through the sky to the other shore”. Thus informed Rama, Rama Lakshmana with Sugreeva ahead of the Vanara Army went with Jayalakshmi (Goddess of Victory) shining. Other Vanaras were in the centre of the Bridge, some walked in the corners. Some waited on the shore due to lack of space, some fell in the water and swam, some flew like Garuda (God of Eagle) went leaping. Due to their ovations the sound of the sea also resounded. That Vanara Army crossed the Vast Sea with disdain, and were unharmed by the Bridge constructed by Nala and reached the other side of shore. As per Sugreeva’s order they stayed in a place where abundant Fruits, Roots were available. Devas and Sidhas and Sages were looking at the impossible task achieved and were waiting for Rama to severe the cruel wicked Ravana’s head. Construction of this Bridge in such a short span of 5 days **(it took 3 Long years for Saudhi Bahrain bridge of similar dimension to be constructed) augurs well as a Good Omen. They were supressing their bliss so that Ravana does not come to know of it but failed and thus surrounded Rama and did Abhishekam (Ritual bath chanting Vedas propitiating for the Victory over evil Ravana. Chanted ‘Hey Rama! You have taken the incarnation of Human form for protecting the entire world.You are the Lord of the world. Please win over all the enemies, please rule this island for a long time to come.” Thus they praised him and showered verses of Auspicious Blessings (Slokas91)
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