The story of the boatman's fear and his clever request to wash Rama's feet before allowing him onto the boat is a fascinating deviation found in various versions of the Ramayana. This encounter showcases the boatman's apprehension about the divine powers attributed to Rama and his concern for the well-being of his family.
In the Valmiki Ramayana, a pivotal moment unfolds when Rama
encounters a boatman prior to his arrival in Mithila. However, in alternative
versions of the Ramayana, this encounter takes place before he embarks on
crossing the Ganga en route to Chitrakoot.
In these renditions, the boatman declines Rama's request to
board, citing, "It is rumored that you transformed a rock into a woman
merely by touching it with your foot. I have a wife and children to support at
home, and I sustain them by ferrying passengers across the river. Should you
perform such a feat with this boat, I'd be burdened with an additional mouth to
feed. I'll permit you aboard only if you consent to let me cleanse your
feet." Thus, he shrewdly secures the greatest boon of all: the opportunity
to touch Rama's feet.
In this narrative, the boatman's reluctance stems from a
fear that Rama's touch might transform the boat into a woman, thereby adding an
unexpected burden to his household. His livelihood depends on ferrying
passengers across the river, and any unforeseen complications could jeopardize
his ability to provide for his wife and children.
By cleverly requesting to wash Rama's feet before allowing
him onto the boat, the boatman not only mitigates his fear of potential
transformations but also seizes the opportunity to attain great fortune. In
Hindu tradition, washing the feet of a revered guest or deity is considered an
act of utmost respect and humility. By performing this act for Rama, the
boatman earns blessings and grace beyond measure, thereby securing not only his
material well-being but also spiritual merit.
This anecdote highlights themes of devotion, trust, and
resourcefulness, underscoring the intricate interplay between mortal concerns
and divine intervention in the Ramayana narrative. Through the lens of the
boatman's encounter with Rama, these versions of the epic emphasize the
profound impact of personal interactions and the unexpected ways in which
fortune can be attained through faith and cleverness.