The Boatman Who Washed Ram's Feet

On their way to the forest, Ram, Sita and Lakshman reached the bank of the river Ganga. Their friend Nishadraj Guh was with them. They had to cross the river, so Ram asked a kevat, a boatman, for his boat.

The boatman did not bring the boat closer. Instead, he folded his hands, smiled and said, "Prabhu, I know your secret! Everyone says the dust of your feet is magical. When your feet touched a stone, it turned into a lovely lady." He was talking about Ahalya, the wife of Rishi Gautam, who was freed from a curse at the touch of Ram's feet.

The boatman went on, "Wood is much softer than stone. If my boat also turns into a lady, how will I feed my family? This boat is how I earn my living. So first let me wash your feet, and then I will take you across."

Hearing his simple, loving words, Ram laughed. He looked at Sita and Lakshman, smiled and said, "Brother, do whatever keeps your boat safe. Bring the water quickly."

The boatman ran happily and brought a big wooden bowl filled with Ganga water. Then, with great love, he began to wash Ram's feet. His heart was full of joy. From the sky, the gods showered flowers and said, "No one is as lucky as this boatman!" Then the boatman and his whole family drank that holy water as prasad.

After that, he respectfully took them across the river. Ram felt shy that he had nothing to give the boatman. Sita understood what was in his heart, and she took off her jewelled ring. Ram said, "Brother, please take your fare."

But the boatman held Ram's feet and said, "Prabhu, what have I not received today! I have worked for wages for so many years, and today God has given me the best wages of all. When you come back from the forest, whatever you give me then, I will take as prasad."

Ram, Sita and Lakshman asked him again and again, but the boatman took nothing. So Ram blessed him with true devotion and lovingly said goodbye.