Conversation between Lord Ram and kevat (boatman)

Source of this post:

http://krishnaseva.blogspot.com/2014/05/conversation-between-lord-ram-and-kevat.html

This event depicts the intelligence of kevat & his level of faith in Lord Ram. This conversation started when Lord Sri Ramachandra reached the forest with Sita and Lakshmana as per his father Dasharatha's order. They had to cross river Ganga. Guha had heard about the banishment of Lord Rama and came running to help Him. One of his boatmen was unloading people on the opposite bank and Guha shouted to the kevat to bring the boat to the ferry. Kevat brought the boat near Lord Rama, got down and did namaskaar with intense devotion. Guha introduced him as a great devotee of Lord and told how he remembered the incident of Ahalya Moksham. Also he started and ended his days with prayers to Lord Rama and throughout the day he was well known for talking about the glories of Lord.

Kevat asked Guha whether 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 told Guha that he would like to wash Lord's feet before he got into the boat. Guha was a little angry at his stubbornness and was about to loose temper.

Then kevat decided to explain his point to Lord Rama himself. "Lord, the limited income I have as a boatman is just enough to make both ends meet and I am afraid that I cannot afford anything more. So let me please wash the dust on your feet before you step into my boat."

Lord Rama smiled looking 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 fell 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 the feet and make it dust free before you step into the boat. Please be kind to me."

Lord Rama appreciated his pure and innocent faith.

After washing their feet kevat place his hands on earth and ask lord to first step on his hand before stepping into the boat. This way he washed all his sins by having a touch of lords feet. Lord Ram humbly thanks kevat and offers him his ring as a gift, but kevat request Lord not to offer him his ring but fulfil his wish. He asks Lord for endless devotion in lotus feet of Lord and liberation from this maya may world.

SHRINGHVERPUR RAGHUVAR AAYE RATH KO AVADHPURI LOTAYE
GANGA TAT PAR AAYE RAM
RAM SIYA RAM SIYA RAM JAI JAI RAM

KEVATH KAHE CHARAN DHULVAAO
PICHE NAUKA ME CHADH JAAO
PATTHAR KAR DI NARI RAM
RAM SIYA RAM SIYA RAM JAI JAI RAM

LAYA EK KATHORA PAANI
CHARAN KAMAL DHOYE SUKH MAANI
NAAV CHADHAYE LAXMAN RAM
RAM SIYA RAM SIYA RAM JAI JAI RAM

UTRAAI ME MUDRI DINI
KEVATH NE YEH BINATI KINI
UTRAAI NAHIN LOONGA RAM
RAM SIYA RAM SIYA RAM JAI JAI RAM

TUM AAYE HUM GHAT UTAARE
HUM AAYEIN JAB GHAT TUMHARE
TAB TUM PAAR LAGANA RAM
RAM SIYA RAM SIYA RAM JAI JAI RAM

Today, we all ask God for material elements and temporary, essence less material pleasure. This is just like asking a rupee to a benevolent who has ability to give you whole world. How foolish are we, who runs after the world leaving the loving supreme soul.

Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita Devi and Kevat sailing boat

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Your Servant,

RadheKrishna Das

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Conversation between Lord Ram and kevat (boatman)

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