| Nala | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:The_Monkeys_and_Bears_Build_a_Bridge_to_Lanka.jpg) Right:Nala (white monkey with blue face) and Nila (blue monkey) talking with Rama. Left: Nala and Nila directing the monkeys to place the stones in the ocean. | |
| Information | |
| Race | Vanara |
| Family | Vishwakarma (father) Nila (brother) |
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Nala (Sanskrit: नल, IAST: nala, lit. lotus), is the vanara (monkey), who is credited as the engineer of the Rama Setu, a bridge across the ocean between Rameswaram (Tamil nadu) and Lanka, identified with modern-day Sri Lanka, so forces of the god Rama can pass over to Lanka.[1][2] The bridge is also known as Nala Setu, the bridge of Nala.[3] Along with Nala, another vanara who is his twin brother called Nila is also credited as the builder of the bridge. Nala is described as the architect of the vanaras. He is described as the son of the architect-god Vishwakarma. Nala is also described to have fought in the battle between Rama and Ravana, the king of Lanka.
- ^ Swamy p. 43
- ^ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. p. 519. ISBN 0-8426-0822-2.
- ^ Nanditha Krishna (1 May 2014). Sacred Animals of India. Penguin Books Limited. p. 246. ISBN 978-81-8475-182-6.