Crossing the Ganga

Ram, Sita and Lakshman’s Sacred Journey

The episode of Crossing the Ganga in the Ramayana is a touching moment that reflects humility, devotion, and the deep spiritual bond between the divine and the common devotee. It occurs soon after Lord Ram accepts exile and leaves Ayodhya to honour his father King Dashrath’s promise.

The Beginning of Exile

Obeying the command of Queen Kaikeyi, Ram renounced the throne of Ayodhya and departed for the forest for fourteen years. Accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshman, he journeyed away from royal comfort into a life of austerity.

As they reached the banks of the sacred river Ganga, they met Kewat, the humble boatman who ferried travelers across the river.

Devotion of Kewat

Kewat recognized Ram’s divinity. According to tradition, he had heard that the dust of Ram’s feet had once transformed a stone into the divine Ahilya. Fearing that his wooden boat might also transform into something divine if touched by Ram’s feet, he lovingly insisted on washing Ram’s feet before allowing him to board.

With folded hands and deep devotion, Kewat washed the Lord’s feet and then ferried Ram, Sita, and Lakshman across the holy river. This simple yet profound act symbolized pure devotion (bhakti) without expectation of reward.

When Sita offered him a ring in gratitude, Kewat humbly refused, saying that as a boatman who ferries people across the river, he had merely served another boatman—Ram, who ferries souls across the ocean of worldly existence.

Symbolic Significance

The crossing of the Ganga is rich in meaning:

• It marks the true beginning of Ram’s forest exile.
• It highlights equality and compassion, as the divine embraces the humble devotee.
• It symbolizes the crossing from royal life to spiritual endurance.
• It represents faith, humility, and selfless service.

This episode beautifully illustrates Ram as Maryada Purushottam, the ideal being who values devotion over status.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

The sacred episode of Crossing the Ganga has been depicted in the Special Commemorative Postage Stamp series on the Ramayana, issued by the Department of Posts.

The commemorative stamp portrays Ram, Sita, and Lakshman seated in Kewat’s boat as they cross the serene waters of the Ganga. The artwork captures the serenity of the moment and the deep devotional bond between the Lord and the humble boatman.

This philatelic tribute preserves the spiritual essence of the episode, celebrating a timeless story of humility, devotion, and divine grace.