Crossing the Sacred Ganga (Ramayana Series 36)

Crossing the Sacred Ganga

It was the beautiful hour of dawn. The sun was about to rise, and nature was awakening. Cuckoos sang melodiously, and peacocks called joyfully from the forest. In this enchanting atmosphere, Śrī Rama called Lakshmana and said:

“Lakshmana, the night has passed. Let us now cross this Ganga, which flows swiftly toward the ocean.”

Understanding Rama’s intention, Lakshmana immediately brought Sumantra and Guha, the king of the Nishadas, before him. Rama requested Guha to arrange a boat to cross the sacred river. With great reverence, Guha summoned his ministers and ordered:

“Prepare at once a strong and beautiful boat, with a skilled boatman, for our revered guests.”

Soon, Guha approached Rama, folded his hands, and said with devotion:

“O radiant prince, shining like a divine being! As per your wish, the boat is ready to cross the Ganga. Please ascend and continue your journey.”

Pleased by Guha’s devotion, Rama decided to proceed further by boat. Standing on the sacred bank of the Ganga with Sita and Lakshmana, Rama said to his dear friend:

“Guha, you have fulfilled my wish. Let us leave here the items we do not require for our forest journey.”

Rama and Lakshmana then prepared themselves for the hardships of forest life. They fastened their quivers, took up their bows, and stood ready. Seeing Rama walking along the riverbank with Sita, the charioteer Sumantra humbly asked:

“My Lord, what shall I do now?”

Gently touching him with affection, Rama replied:

“Sumantra, you must now return to Ayodhya. Carefully look after my father, King Dasharatha. According to his command, we must enter the forest on foot. Therefore, it is proper that you return with the chariot.”

Hearing this, Sumantra was deeply distressed. Yet, respecting Rama’s words, he reluctantly turned toward Ayodhya with a heavy heart.

Rama consoled him, saying, “No man can act against destiny. This exile has come to us as part of divine will. Return to Ayodhya and comfort my father with appropriate words. Ensure that Queen Kaikeyi is not displeased. When Bharata returns, he should be crowned king. Tell him to treat all mothers equally and to especially care for Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana.”

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Sumantra pleaded:

“Raghava! How can I return to Ayodhya leaving you in the forest? The people will not forgive me. Even these horses will refuse to go back without you. Allow me to remain here and serve you.”

Though moved by his devotion, Rama did not change his decision. He explained that only Sumantra’s return would convince Kaikeyi that Rama had truly left for the forest, thereby preserving King Dasharatha’s honour and upholding dharma.

After sending Sumantra back, Rama obtained the milky sap of a banyan tree from Guha. He and Lakshmana fashioned their hair into matted locks, adopting the appearance of ascetics and formally beginning their forest life.

The mighty Ganga flowed rapidly. Seeing the boat, Rama instructed Lakshmana:

“Lakshmana, hold the boat steady and gently help the noble Sita to board first. Then you may board.”

Lakshmana carefully cleared thorns and obstacles, made the path smooth, and respectfully helped Sita into the boat. After she was seated, he boarded, and finally Rama himself entered.

Guha instructed his men to steer the boat safely. As the boat moved across the sacred waters of the Ganga, Rama made a solemn vow to live the life of a forest-dweller for the welfare of all.

Thus began their sacred journey across the Ganga—an auspicious step deeper into the path of exile and dharma.