Rama, Lakshman, Sugriva, Hanuman and the Vanara Sena were
looking for means to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. Rama sat in meditation
near the sea hoping Varuna, the sea god, will appear before him and help him.
But Varuna did not appear and Rama became angry. This incident is found in the
Yuddha Kanda of Ramayana.
Rama in anger decides to punish the sea god by draining all
the waters. He decided to shoot arrows and burn up the ocean.
Arrows after arrows hit the ocean and there was upheaval in
the sea. Animals in the sea came to the surface in fear. The waves rose higher
and higher.
Lakshman tried to reason with Rama. He asked him to refrain
from the dreadful decision to drain the sea.
Heavenly beings assembled in the sky and pleaded with Rama.
But Rama was not ready to listen to them as he wanted to
teach an arrogant Varuna a lesson.
Rama then invoked the Brahmastra. There was utter confusion
all around. Animal were crying out in panic. Storms blew uprooting trees. Sun
hid behind clouds. There were omens of approaching doom.
Varuna then appeared before Rama. He asked for his pardon
and promised to help Rama.
Rama had invoked the Brahmastra and it had to be directed to
a spot. Varuna asks Rama to sent the arrow towards Drumakulya which was
occupied Rakshasas who were harassing people and sea animals.
Rama dispatches the arrow towards Drumakulya.
Varuna informs about Nala in Rama’s army who can build a
bridge that will not sink.