The Encounter with Guha and Ganga's Blessing

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita wished to cross the Ganga, and so they approached a boatman named Guha. But Guha 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 get into my boat."

Rama was pleased with Guha's simplicity and allowed him to wash Rama's feet. The gods in heaven envied Guha for the privilege of washing the Lord's feet. Afterward, Guha ferried Rama and his companions across the river. Rama thanked Guha effusively and offered him his ring as payment, but Guha wouldn't hear of it.

"I had the good fortune of serving you," he said. "I require no other reward."

Rama made a Shivalinga out of mud and prayed to Lord Shiva.

"O Mother," Sita prayed to Goddess Ganga, "after my stay in the forest with my husband and his brother, I hope I will get another opportunity to bathe in your waters."

Goddess Ganga appeared before Sita. "Dear Sita," she said, "the three of you will return safely to Ayodhya fourteen years from now, and all your wishes will come true."