When Lord Sri Ramachandra reached the forest with Sita and Lakshmana 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 said to Kevat to bring the boat and take divine personalities on other side of mother Ganga.
Kevat brought the boat near Lord Rama, got down and did namaskaar with intense devotion to Lord Rama.
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 in life and 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 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.
He also asked Lord for endless devotion to lotus feet of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama said that from today you not need to take another birth, and granted Kevat – Mukti from material world.
punarapi jananam punarapi maranam
punarapi jananii jathare shayanam
iha samsaare bahudustaare
kripayaa apaare paahi muraare
Moral of the story:
We all ask God for material elements and temporary 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.
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, Lord’s perfect instructions lead 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 would be our guide, would there be any doubt in our victory on the path of life?
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.