- Sumanta dropped Rama, Mother Sita, and Lakshmana at the borders of the province. But, they had to cross the river to cross the limiting border of Ayodhya. They needed a boat and a boatsman to cross the river.
- A king of the forest tribe, Nishadraja walks with them towards the banks. They found a boatman at the bank. Rama requested him, and the man agreed.
- As Rama was about to place his foot on the boat, the boatman stopped him. He said that he was aware of Rama’s powers. He continued that Rama’s transcendental dust transformed a boulder into Mother Ahilya thus, the boat could also transform into a lady that could create unrest in his family. Rama asked his wish. The man replied that he wished to wash Rama’s feet before he could board the boat. Lakshmana was angry listening to the conversation. Rama consoled him.
- The man rushed to his home and called his family members. He returned with a big platter and all his family members. He asked Rama to place the foot on the platter. After washing the first foot, he asked Rama to place the other foot. But, by the time he could wash the other foot, the first foot became soiled. The boatman continued washing. Lakshmana became irritated by the ritual. Rama consoled him.
- Boatman asked Rama to place his hand over the man’s head and take support for he could board the boat without soiling his foot. By that ritual, Rama could board easily, the boatman received the blessings of Rama and even the charanaamrita, which liberated his entire family. The boatman washed Mother’s and Lakshmana’s feet as well.
- They left the banks. The boatman rowed towards the opposite bank but suddenly began moving the boat in a circular path. Lakshmana became irritated. Rama asked the reason for circularly moving the boat. The boatman replied that he would continue rowing the boat until Rama redeemed his preceding and succeeding seven generations. Rama smiled and granted the wish within his heart. The boatman felt the light and attained liberation.
- The boatman directed the boat towards the opposite bank and dropped them. Mother asked Rama to give the ring inscribed with Rama’s name to the boatman. Rama took the signet with a heavy heart and rendered it to the boatman. The man smiled and asked them to keep the ring as they would need it shortly.
