Rama's Encounter with Guha and Ganga's Blessing

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita reached the bank of the Ganga river. They needed a boat to cross it, so they approached a boatman named Guha, who initially refused to let them board his boat.

"O Lord," said Guha to Rama, "I've heard that the dust on your feet once turned a rock into the beautiful Ahilya. My boat is softer than a rock. If this dust turns my boat into a woman, I won't be able to earn a living anymore. How will I then support my mother and wife? Let me first wash the dust off your feet with water from this holy river. Then you may board my boat."

Rama agreed to Guha's request and allowed him to wash his feet with water from the Ganga. The gods in heaven were envious of Guha for being able to wash Lord Rama's feet. Afterward, Guha ferried Rama and his companions across the Ganga. Rama tried to pay Guha for his services by offering him his ring, but Guha refused to accept it.

"Today, all my wishes have come true," Guha told Rama. "I had the good fortune of serving you; I require no other payment."

The three of them bathed in the Ganga, after which Rama made a Shiva Linga out of mud and prayed to Lord Shiva.

"O Mother, I pray that after my stay in the forest with my husband and his younger brother, I will get another opportunity to bathe in your water," Sita prayed to the goddess Ganga with a pure, divine, and true mind.

Goddess Ganga appeared before Sita. "Dear Sita," said Ganga, "the three of you will return to Ayodhya safely fourteen years from now. All your wishes will come true. The entire human race will worship you."

Sita felt elated to receive Ganga's blessings. After bowing to Ganga, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita continued their journey.