Ayodhya Ram Temple
– Photo: Photos taken from X
Not only India but the whole world has started understanding that Shri Ram belongs to everyone. When Shri Ram considered the living beings of the world as his own, he also solved their problems and saved them. The incident of the boatman in Shri Ram’s journey to the forest tells a lot. Kevats, who belong to the Bhoi dynasty, are sailors and work as boatmen.
Even when the boatmen disobey Shri Ram, he still smiles. If the boatman is adamant on his arbitrary will, the Lord allows him to do so and in the end also blesses him. The reason was the boatman’s devotion. When Lord Shri Ram had to cross the Ganga, he said – Brother, bring the boat here, we have to cross the Ganga. The boatman did not obey the order, but said in a natural tone – I have learned your secret.
Everyone says that the secret of your feet can transform a human being, as soon as it touched a stone a stone became a beautiful woman. My boat is made of wood. It is written in Ayodhya Kand of Shri Ramcharitmanas-
I asked for a boat, neither did I come to Kevattu. Tell me, I will go to your heart.
What should I say about the lotus feet? Manush Karni Muri Kachu Ahai ॥
The boatman continues with the same simplicity – O Nath! I will wash your lotus feet and take you on the boat. Doesn’t want to unload anything. Lakshman ji may shoot arrows, but until I wash my feet, O merciful one! I will not cross. For a boatman, service to God is supreme. That is why he did not want to lose this opportunity of service, so he talked about the wooden boat.
