Lanka Kaanda
163 - Bridging of the ocean by Nala and Nila; Sri Rama's installation of Sri Ramesvara
Chaupais
Description
Having completed the bridge they made it exceptionally secure; the All-merciful was glad at heart to see it. As the army marched it was a sight beyond all telling, the troops of monkey warriors roaring as they went. Ascending an eminence near the bridge the gracious Lord of the Raghus surveyed the vast expanse of the ocean. All the creatures inhabiting the ocean appeared on the surface in order to have a look at the Lord, who was the very fountain-head of mercy. There were many kinds of alligators, crocodiles, fishes and serpents with bodies eight hundred miles in length and colossal in size. There were others who could devour even these. They in their turn were afraid of some other creatures. All gazed upon the Lord and would not stir even when diverted. They were all glad of heart and felt very happy. Covered by them the water could not be seen; they were filled with ecstasy at the sight of Sri Hari's beauty. The army advanced on receiving the Lord's command : who can describe the vastness of the monkey host?