In the epic Ramayana, filled with kings, demons, and divine battles, there's a quiet tale that continues to inspire hearts across generations: the story of a humble squirrel and her devotion to Lord Rama.
As Rama prepared to cross the ocean to Lanka to rescue Sita, his army of Vanaras—monkey warriors led by Hanuman—began building the Ram Setu, a bridge of stones across the sea. Massive rocks were hurled into the ocean, creating a path where none had existed before.
Amid this mighty labour, a small squirrel decided to help. She couldn’t carry boulders or even pebbles, so she did what she could. Rolling in the sand, she ran to the bridge and shook the grains into the gaps between the rocks. Then she ran back to do it again. And again.
Some Vanaras mocked her. Some were annoyed. “You’re too small to help,” they said. “Stay out of the way.”
But Rama saw her. Gently picking her up, he stroked her back in gratitude and said:
“She may be small, but her heart is big. She is doing what she can—and that is enough.”
From that moment on, it is said, the squirrel bore three white stripes on her back—marks of Rama’s loving fingers, still seen today on the Indian palm squirrel.
A Lesson for All of Us
This simple story from Hindu mythology reminds us that the value of an act lies not in its size but in its sincerity. When the world feels too large and our contribution too small, we might remember the squirrel.
In every great undertaking—whether building a literal bridge, healing a relationship, or offering peace to a troubled heart—small efforts matter. Each kind word, each thoughtful action, every grain of sand adds up.
We don’t all have to carry stones. Sometimes, it is enough to carry sand.
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