Kevat Stakes Everything on Washing Ram's Feet
Ayodhya Kanda, Chhand 4
Doha 100 · Movement 2 of 3
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Kevat states his terms before river, bow, and waiting boat. He will wash the lotus feet, seat Ram aboard, and ask no fare. By Ram's own name and by Dasharatha's oath, he insists that every word is true.
Even Lakshmana's arrows cannot move him. The ferryman possesses little that worldly force might threaten, and love has made him fearless with what remains. Until the washing is granted, the boat will stay against the bank and the journey will not advance.
His defiance contains no rebellion against the Lord. It is surrender made inventive, a servant claiming the one service for which his entire life seems to have waited. Tulsidas enters the plea through his own name, joining poet and boatman in their longing to touch the feet of the compassionate Master.
Kevat holds the ferry at the shore until love receives its only desired payment: the water that has touched Ram's feet.
Read the passage from the Manas
पद कमल धोइ चढ़ाइ नाव न नाथ उतराई चहौं। मोहि राम राउरि आन दसरथ सपथ सब साची कहौं।। बरु तीर मारहुँ लखनु पै जब लगि न पाय पखारिहौं। तब लगि न तुलसीदास नाथ कृपाल पारु उतारिहौं।।
I will wash your lotus feet and seat you in my boat. I ask for no fare, my Lord. By your name, O Rama, and by the oath of Dasharatha, I speak nothing but the truth. Let Lakshmana strike me with his arrows if he will, but until I have washed your feet, O gracious Lord of Tulsidas, I will not ferry you across.