THE GREAT CAUSEWAY

"There is Nala, son of Viswakarma, with you, who have the ability to build this path: May victory be yours."

Raama, true to his nature, graciously accepted the sea god's apology and offer of help. And then, ordered by Raama, they all began to work. Thousands of Vanaras went at it with enthusiasm and soon finished building the causeway.

Vaalmeeki describes the work at length. He sings with gusto of the noise and confusion of the gigantic project. The Vaanaras went to the mountains and forests and, plucking rocks and trees, dragged them to the shore. The bigger Vaanaras brought big boulders and threw them into the sea. As they fell down, the water splashed up sky-high.

Nala stood and supervised their la hours. The leaders in charge of companies kept them active. On top of the rocks and trees, when the base was firm, a dressing of grass and little pieces of wood was given to produce a level surface. The noise raised by the dam-builders drowned the roar of the ocean.

The construction was complete. The new path shone across the sea like the milky way in the sky. Hosts of gods above rejoiced, as hosts of Vaanaras shouted below in exultation. The gods and the rishis uttered benedictions.

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