Ayodhya Kaanda
76 - The boatman's love and the passage across the Ganga
Chaupais
Description
Getting down from the boat Sita and Rama stood on the sands of the Ganga alongwith Guha and Laksmana. The ferryman too got down and fell prostrate before the Lord, who felt uncomfortable at the thought that He had given nothing to the ferryman. Sita, however, who could read the mind of Her beloved lord, took off Her jewelled ring with a cheerful heart. The gracious Lord said, "Take your toll." But the ferryman clasped His feet in great distress. "What have I not already received, my lord? The fire of my errors, sorrows and indigence has been quenched today. I worked for my livelihood for a long time; it is only today that God has given me an adequate and handsome return. By your grace, my compassionate Lord, I want nothing now. While returning, whatever you bestow on me I shall thankfully accept that boon."