Reaching the Ganga
When Lord Sri Ramachandra reached the forest with Sita and Lakshmana, they had to cross the river Ganga. Guha, a devoted friend of Rama, had heard about His banishment and came running to help Him.
One of Guha’s boatmen, Kevat, was unloading people on the opposite bank. Guha instructed Kevat to bring the boat and take the divine personalities across mother Ganga.
Kevat’s Devotion
Kevat brought the boat near Lord Rama, got down, and did namaskaar with intense devotion. He started and ended his days with prayers to Lord Rama and was well known for talking about the glories of the Lord.
Kevat asked Guha if he could wash Lord’s feet before He stepped into the boat. Guha told him to wash His feet after seating Him in the boat. But Kevat was adamant and insisted on washing the Lord’s feet before He got into the boat. Guha was about to lose his temper when Kevat decided to explain his point to Lord Rama himself.
Kevat’s Request
Kevat said, “Lord, the limited income I have as a boatman is just enough to make both ends meet in life. I am afraid that I cannot afford any more boats. So, let me please wash the dust on Your feet before You step into my boat.”
Lord Rama smiled at Sita devi and remained silent.
Kevat continued, “Lord, I have heard that the dust from Your feet embraced a stone in the forest and it became a woman. My boat is made of several pieces of wood, and if the dust of Your feet falls on my boat, I am afraid the boat would turn into several women corresponding to each piece of wood. I sincerely cannot take care of any more members in my household. That is why I am requesting to wash Your feet and make them dust-free before You step into the boat. Please be kind to me.”
Lord Rama’s Grace
Lord Rama appreciated his pure and innocent faith. After washing their feet, Kevat placed his hands on the earth and asked the Lord to first step on his hand before stepping into the boat. This way, he washed away all his sins by having a touch of the Lord’s feet.
After washing the Lord’s feet, Kevat ferried them across the river. As soon as they alighted from the boat, Ma Sita immediately withdrew a ring from her finger and handed it over to Lord Rama, signaling to Him to pass it on to the boatman.
Kevat’s Refusal of Payment
Lord Rama: “Here Brother, that is all we can pay you for your kind service. Please accept it!”
Kevat: (Shaking his head). “No, My Lord! I cannot possibly accept this from You.”
Lord Rama: “Why?”
Kevat: “Because people of the same profession do not charge each other for their services. A barber never takes payment when he gives a haircut to another barber. Even a washer-man never charges a fellow washer-man.”
Lord Rama: “Brother, how can you and I be of the same profession? You are a boatman and I am…”
Kevat: “Lord, both of us do the same work. I ferry people from this shore of the Ganges to the other. You ferry people across the ocean of Samsaara (Bhav-sagar), through the journey of life. How can I accept payment from You? Prabhu! I don’t want anything. But please, as I have made You cross this river today, when my time comes, take me across sansaar saagar (the ocean of material existence)! That would be Your return to me.”
Lord Rama’s Embrace
The Lord was so overwhelmed at this devotional request from Kevat that He held out His arms and embraced the boatman. Later, the expert ferryman was delivered from the cycle of birth and death just because of this little service done unto the Supreme Lord. Kevat also asked the Lord for endless devotion to the lotus feet of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama said that from today, you will not need to take another birth and granted Kevat Mukti from the material world.
Moral of the Story
We often ask God for material elements and temporary pleasures. This is akin to asking for a rupee from a benevolent person who has the ability to give us the whole world. How foolish are we, who run after the world, leaving the loving Supreme Soul?
Let’s act wisely like this expert ferryman. Let’s do some devotional service unto the Supreme Lord Hari. This way, reaching the ultimate perfection in life would be assured.
The Merciful Lord comes Himself or sends His devotees (saints) to show us the right direction. As soon as Arjuna accepted Lord Krishna as his guide, the Lord’s perfect instructions led him to victory and fame. Little service rendered to the merciful Supreme Lord would please Him, and He would hold the reins of the chariot of our life. And, when the Supreme Lord is our guide, would there be any doubt in our victory on the path of life?
