046 - Bhaya bin hot na preet

Ram was 'Maryada Purushottam' - the best among men and bound by discipline and Dharma.

He reached the ocean with folded hands, bowed to the God of the ocean, and sought permission to cross it.

He requested that the ocean part so that the mighty army of monkeys could cross it and attack Lanka to rescue Sita.

Ram then waited for the God to appear and give permission.

A day passed and then another. On the third day Ram again waited near the ocean and prayed.

It was nearing sunset and there was no sign of the God of the ocean. Ram was now impatient and angry. He drew out his bow and set an arrow in it ready to attack the Ocean God.

Ocean God appeared and bowed down before Ram. "Lord of the Universe! I am sorry to have made you wait. Please forgive me. Who am I to grant permission? I have only one request. Please grant it. Build a bridge across me so that your epic crossing is remembered for all time to come."

Ram immediately agreed and gave orders for a bridge to be built across the ocean.

Tulsidas has captured Ram's agony and anger in the following doha -

vinay na manat jaladhi jad, gaye teen din beet,
bole Ram sakop tab, "bhay bin hoye na preet ?"

(
The mighty ocean does not understand a loving request, three days have now passed. Then Ram spoke with anger. Without fear there is no love.
)


Hindi Translation : http://sashankexpress.blogspot.in/2016/08/046.html

source: Stories from Here and There, Ekalavya Education Foundation - By: Sunil Handa - http://www.eklavya.org/storyhere.html