The Squirrel service ( Alilu Seve ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ)

One of the interesting idioms in the Hindu Mythology of Ramayana is that of “Squirrel service” ( ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ in kannada). It refers to a very small contribution. I have heard and used this a lot since my childhood and it has an interesting story behind: Lord Ram had to build a bridge (Rama Setu) over a huge waterbody to reach Lanka, in pursuit of Sita, who was held captive by the demon King Raavana. The bridge was apparently built with special “floatable” rocks and all animals, big and small were out there to help Lord Ram accomplish this daunting mission. Monkeys were carrying huge rocks and laying them on the water to form a bridge. Then there was this tiny little Indian Palm Squirrel that was doing something seemingly inconsequential.

Although the little squirrel couldn’t lift the rocks, it would jump into the water, roll in the beach and then run to the end of bridge and shake off the sand to deposit sand particles amongst rocks brought by the monkeys. It would also occasionally carry smaller pebbles, the biggest that it could muster. Lord Ram watched the tiny creature with admiration, it was doing its best to help his cause. Monkeys, on the other hand thought the squirrel was a nuisance and laughed at the insignificant effort. Lord Ram made the monkeys realize that no contribution or service is small, especially when done with such immense dedication and desire to help. They later found that the sand and smaller pebbles dropped by the squirrel was actually making the bridge more stronger.

The story has three main characters:

1. Squirrel – the giver of a “small” service
2. Lord Ram – the receiver of services, big and small.
3. Monkeys – the giver of “big” service and also the observer of the services made.

We all might have been in one of the above roles at different points in life. Sometimes of “small” help, sometimes a significant support and sometimes requiring help from others. Whatever the role could be, lesson learnt from the above story and resulting idiom is to “stay humble”. If met with a chance to help someone, one can give the best possible support. It doesn’t matter if the contribution is small, there is at-least a desire to help. If receiver of help, one should appreciate any little support that comes our way. And finally if we are the biggest contributor or never have contributed in any way, we should never belittle others doing their “small” bit for the greater cause.

Its a common belief that the three stripes on the Indian Palm squirrel were after Lord Ram rolled his three fingers on its body to show his gratitude and as a remembrance of this selfless act for long time to come. No contribution is insignificant. I wish everyone a very happy Ram Navami !