Ramayana stories - Don’t underestimate anyone

The Ravana king of lanka had abducted sita. Rama and Lakshma searched for sita all around and come to know that she is in Lanka under Ravana handover with the help of Hanuman. To reach Lanka they have to cross the ocean. So Rama prays to sea gods to reach Lanka. Then sea god permits Rama to build a bridge across the ocean. 

Rama along with his vanara army started building the bridge. All the vanaras where very strong and bought big stones and pebbles and started dropping into the ocean to build the bridge. All the vanaras where working enthusiastically in building the bridge. All were happy and excited for helping Rama who is the form of Lord Vishnu. Every vanara was very much involved in performing this task. Everyone started bringing big stones to build a bridge quickly.

Each and every animal wished to help Rama in their respective way. Sea animals helped by adjusting the stone in the right position while the birds collected small pebbles and stones and throw them into the ocean as a help from their side.

One of the squirrels running from one tree to another had seen that every animal is helping rama in succeeding the task. So, squirrel also wished to help Rama. He started collecting small pebbles from in and around the vicinity and dropped them in the ocean. After throwing few pebbles he felt tied but also he didn’t give up he collected as many as pebbles it can and dropped in the water. The squirrel rolled himself in the sand and ran near the seashore and washed himself and repeated the same work few times. The small stones in the sand also got contributed for the task.

While the small squirrel collecting and dropping stones was running in between the vanaras. The vanaras got angry on the small squirrel and started shouting at him.

Then the squirrel in low voice said please allow me to contribute for this task though I am contributing small amount but I am happy that I am helping lord Rama.

Hearing these words all the vanaras started laughing at squirrel and threw the squirrel far away from the seashore.

Lord Rama who was seeing all this came to vanaras and said, oh vanaras you are very strong enough to bring big stones and dropped into the ocearn but the squirrel is very small and contributing itself by dropping small sand into the sea. Don't you feel that they are also helping in making the structure? By hearing these words vanaras felt ashamed and bowed their heads before Rama.

Rama said to vanaras and everyone a message that whatever the task may be the contribution to that is important. The task cannot be completed by only one person. Only team work makes up a successful task. See here you are bringing big stones and dropping in the ocean while the squirrel is bringing the sand and filling the gaps between the stones is it not making a full structure.

We should not criticize anyone, but have to encourage one and appreciate for the work they have contributed for us.

Rama says to the squirrel, I am sorry from our vanaras side for hurting you. You have done a great job and helped me to reach sita. Please do go and continue your work no body now will disturb you. You can contribute as much as you can.  

Then he took the squirrel into his hands and stroked at the back of the squirrel gently by his three figures. As a result, the three lines appeared at the back of squirrel.

Every work has to be done with dedication. We have to respect our work and we have to see lord in every work. Every work done is like serving God. Here the squirrel who had worked with dedicated was rewarded by Lord Rama