Though bewildered by the Lord’s words, the celestial river (Ganga) rejoiced on beholding his toenails. (When she heard Rama making request of a mere boatman, she had her doubts, but when she saw his toenails and recognized her birth place, she knew him to be her Lord and was glad.) At Rama’s bidding the ferryman brought a wooden bowl full of water.

In an ecstasy of joy and with a heart overflowing with love he proceeded to bathe the Lord’s lotus feet. All the gods rained down flowers and envied his lot and said there was none so meritorious as he.

After washing the Lord’s feet and drinking off the water with all his family, and thus transporting the souls of his deceased forbears across the ocean of birth and death, he joyfully brought the Lord to the other side

Sita and Rama, with Guha and Lakshmana, disembarked and stood on the sands of Ganga. The ferryman, too, got down and fell prostrate before the Lord, who felt embarrassed at the thought that he had given him no reward.

So Sita, who could read her husband’s mind, cheerfully drew a jewelled ring from off her finger. Said the gracious Lord, ‘Here is your fee.’ But the ferryman in confusion clasped his feet.

‘Lord,’ he cried, ‘what have I not already received this day? The fire of my sins, sorrows and indigence has been extinguished! For a long time have I worked for my livelihood, but it is only today that God has given me my wages in full.

By your grace, my compassionate Lord, I want nothing now. Whatever you give me at the time of your return I will thankfully accept as my reward.’