The Vanara architect who built the bridge to Lanka.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.
Nala is a Vanara and a son of the divine architect Vishvakarma. He is the builder of the bridge that carried Rama's army across the ocean to Lanka.
When Rama was blocked by the sea, the ocean god told him that Nala could build a bridge, because he had inherited his father's skill. The Vanaras brought rocks and trees, and Nala directed the work. The bridge was completed in five days.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.