Indian Squirrel

In January I have visited Agra. Agra is a place on the international tourist map. One of the world's wonderful monument Taj Mahal is in Agra. The other important tourist spot is Agra fort. This fort is of great importance in Mughal history in India. All the Mughal kings were coronated here. Shah Jahan who had built a beautiful monument Taj Mahal for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Auranzeb in this fort. Imprisoned Shah Jahan could have the view of Taj mahal from his prison. He died imprisoned in this fort.

There are beautiful gardens in this fort. The interesting thing I found here is squirrels running fearlessly in this courtyard and gardens.

Indian squirrels have three white lines on their back. There is a mythological story attached to the presence of these lines. Lord Rama had to cross the sea and enter Lanka to fight Ravana who had kidnapped his wife Sita Devi. During that war to cross the sea with his 'monkey army' they had to build a bridge across the sea. This was done by the army by bringing and putting huge rocks in the sea. This is called 'Rama Sethu'. This 'Rama Sethu' of rocks is believed to be present now which connects Srilanka and India and is submerged in waters. During that time when 'sethu' was being built a little squirrel want to do its bit of service to Lord Rama. So it had carried tiny pebbles aiding the army. Lord Rama had come to know of this squirrel and with affection he had stroked the back of the squirrel with his fingers leaving their marks which are carried through generations of squirrel. Based on this there is an adage in Telugu, "vudutha bhakti". This means however 'small' people might be what little they contribute for the cause will be recognised.