Rama's army of monkeys was building a great bridge of boulders across the sea to reach Lanka. They heaved enormous rocks, working day and night.
A little squirrel wanted to help. It rolled in the sand, ran to the water, and shook the grains from its fur — over and over — filling the tiny gaps between the big stones. Some monkeys laughed at such a small effort.
But Rama gently lifted the squirrel and stroked its back with three fingers. They say that is why squirrels carry three pale stripes to this day — a sign that no help is ever too small.