Hindu EpicsStories from the Ramayana

The Monkey Army

Lord Rama enlists a devoted army of monkeys to build a bridge across the sea and rescue Sita.

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Illustration for The Monkey Army - a stories from the ramayana Hindu Epics story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the epic tale of The Monkey Army from the Ramayana. Follow Lord Rama and Hanuman as the Vanara Sena builds a miraculous bridge to rescue Princess Sita.

After Ravana abducted Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshmana wandered the forests until they met the mighty Hanuman and the exiled monkey king, Sugriva. Recognizing Rama's divinity and righteousness, Sugriva pledged his vast legion, the Vanara Sena, to help find the lost princess. Led by the wisdom of the bear-king Jambavan and the unmatched devotion of Hanuman, the monkeys searched in all four directions. Upon learning Sita was held captive in the island kingdom of Lanka, the army reached the edge of the vast southern ocean. Facing an impossible barrier, the Vanaras performed a miracle: by carving the name of Rama on heavy stones, the rocks floated, creating the legendary Ram Setu bridge. This diverse army of forest-dwellers, united by faith, marched across the sea to challenge the demon king and restore dharma to the world.

The Moral

Great goals are achieved through collective effort, unwavering faith, and the strength of devotion.

“With the name of Rama on our lips and courage in our hearts, even the stones shall float.”

Fun Fact

The term 'Vanara' is often interpreted by scholars as either 'forest-dwellers' or 'monkeys,' suggesting they were a distinct race with supernatural strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Monkey Army?

The story teaches that collective effort, unwavering faith, and devotion can achieve the impossible. Even the smallest contribution, when united for a righteous cause, can bridge the widest oceans.

Who was the commander of the Monkey Army?

While Sugriva was the King of the Vanaras, the army was guided by the strategic wisdom of the bear-king Jambavan and the unparalleled strength of Hanuman. They acted under the divine leadership of Lord Rama.

Why did the monkeys help Lord Rama?

The monkeys helped Rama because he assisted Sugriva in regaining his kingdom from his brother Vali. Furthermore, many Vanaras, especially Hanuman, felt a deep spiritual devotion to Rama’s virtue.

What is the floating bridge called?

The bridge built by the monkey army is known as the Ram Setu, also called Adam's Bridge. It was constructed using stones that floated on water when the name of Rama was inscribed upon them.

Who were Nala and Nila in the army?

Nala and Nila were two skilled architects within the Vanara Sena who possessed the unique ability to make stones float. They are credited with the engineering and construction of the bridge to Lanka.

How many monkeys were in the Vanara Sena?

Traditional texts describe the army as consisting of hundreds of thousands of monkeys, bears, and other forest creatures. They represented a massive, diverse force of nature aligned with righteousness.