The ninth day of the shukla paksha of the Chaitra month, celebrated as Ram Navami, marks the birth of Lord Shree Ram. As we embark upon the blessed tithi of Ram Navami this year, let us delve into the secrets of selfless devotion, sacrifice, and service from the lives of two great devotees of Lord Ram: Mother Kaikeyi and the boatman, Kevat.
The Nature of Selfless Love
Bhakti, or devotion, reaches its pinnacle in selfless love. Service is an expression of such love. Unlike worldly love, which often carries a self-seeking, transactional attitude, divine love is marked by an unwavering desire for the happiness of the Supreme Lord alone. This form of love encourages giving without expecting anything in return. A devotee who practices selfless devotion transcends both the pursuit of worldly rewards (bhukti) and the longing for liberation from the cycle of birth and death (mukti). Divine love dispels the soul’s ignorance and darkness and illuminates the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu beautifully distinguishes between true love and lust:
kāmera tātparya nija-sambhoga kevala
krishna-sukha-tātparya-mātra prema ta' prabala
ataeva kāma-preme bahuta antara
kama-andha-tamah, prema-nirmala bhāskara
(Chaitanya Charitamrit, Ādi Leela, 4.166 and 171)
‘Where the desire is simply for self-happiness, that is lust; where the desire is for the Lord’s happiness, that is love. Lust is like darkness while love is pure like the Sun.'
The Ramayan abounds with timeless stories of selfless love, sacrifice, and service, each offering profound spiritual wisdom. Stories of Hanuman ji’s innocent faith and Mata Shabari’s unwavering devotion as she offered half-eaten berries to Lord Ram exemplify selfless love. Bharat’s glorious surrender at his Lord’s feet while executing his kingly duties and Vibhishan’s unparalleled devotion to Ram further reinforce this timeless virtue.
Meanwhile, Mother Kaikeyi, in bearing the blame for banishing Ram to the forest and depriving Him of the kingdom, was also a selfless devotee of the Lord. Let us see how.
Mother Kaikeyi and the Story of Lord Ram’s Exile
Mother Kaikeyi has gone down in history as the villain queen who sent Lord Ram to the forest on the morning He was supposed to be coronated as the King of Ayodhya. She asked her husband, Dasharath, for two boons. The first was to crown Bharat as king, and the second was to send Ram into exile for fourteen years. Bound by his word, King Dasharath had to grant them, even against his wish.
A Seed of Doubt Planted By Manthara
The story unfolded as Manthara, the hunchbacked maid, planted the first seed of doubt in Queen Kaikeyi’s heart. Manthara, with her cunning mind, warned Kaikeyi of a looming danger—King Dashrath’s grand plan to crown Ram as the future ruler of Ayodhya. She whispered tales of betrayal, suggesting that once Ram ascended the throne, Kaushalya and Sumitra would make Bharat their servant, and Kaikeyi would be left powerless.
The Malevolent Plan Takes Shape
At first, Kaikeyi dismissed these claims with fury, even slapping Manthara for speaking ill of her beloved husband. But Manthara was persistent, spinning a web of deceit and fear. The cunning maid advised her to ask for the boons Dasharath had once promised her. Slowly, with the aid of divine intervention, Kaikeyi’s mind wavered. Now was the time to use them, she thought.
When she asked the boons, King Dashrath was devastated. He collapsed to the ground, unable to believe his ears. “Kaikeyi, you used to say you wanted Ram to be king. Why this sudden change of heart?” he pleaded.
But Kaikeyi stood firm. If her wishes were denied, she threatened to end her life. Ram was still in His night attire as He heard of Kaikeyi’s wishes. He welcomed the decision with a serene smile. To everyone’s surprise, He said, “If Bharat is to rule, that brings me great joy. And as for the forest, it will be an honor to live among the sages and rishis.” Without hesitation, He prepared to leave, even before his mother, Kaushalya, heard the news.
Kaikeyi’s sinister design threw King Dasharath into irreparable sorrow for his beloved son Ram, eventually leading to his demise. The palace walls, echoing with joyous celebrations, soon witnessed sorrowful wails. As the news spread through Ayodhya, the people who loved Ram with all their hearts, cursed Kaikeyi for being the selfish mother who secured her son’s interests at the cost of the rightful heir.
Kaikeyi’s Sacrifice: A Test of Devotion
To many, Kaikeyi became the villain of the Ramayan, but was she truly evil? According to the Adhyatma Ramayan, Kaikeyi was one of Ram’s greatest devotees. While the pain Bharat felt during Shree Ram’s exile is well-known, the anguish of separation from her beloved Ram that Kaikeyi endured is an untold story. From His birth, she loved Ram more than her own son Bharat. Though her name has been defamed for centuries, when Ram tested her love through an extraordinary trial, Kaikeyi demonstrated unparalleled grace and sacrifice.
Ram said to Kaikeyi in Ved Vyas’ Adhyatma Ramayan: “Mother, those who have not understood the secret of the Ram Katha through satsang will blame you.”
It is said that young Ram once confided in her, “Mother, will you do something for me? I must fulfill my divine purpose, and only you can make it happen.”
Kaikeyi consented, “Whatever You ask.” Ram cautioned that whatever He asked would have disastrous consequences for her. Kaikeyi listened, unperturbed.
Ram revealed to her that He had duties to fulfill in the forest. Shabri was waiting for Him in her forest hut. He had to kill the rakshasas (demons) and establish dharma. Hence, He needed a reason to go to the forest. And He wanted her to be the reason. When the time comes, He would inspire her to create an obstacle for Him to become the king. Kaikeyi thought that this was the most terrible thing to do. But if this was what Ram wanted, she would do it.
She distanced herself from Ram over the years, knowing that she would have to play the villain’s role when the moment came. It was a sacrifice—a selfless act serving the divine plan.
Kaikeyi’s selfless love for Ram led her to say, “If for your sake, I get a bad name, I don't mind.” Thus, she bore the blame of being the contemptible mother from Treta Yug till today.
The Legacy of Selfless Love
Kaikeyi’s sacrifice was rooted in pure devotion and selflessness—a love defined by Sage Narad as tat sukha sukhitvam (true happiness lies in Bhagavan’s joy). Such devotion binds God to the devotee, as demonstrated by Bhagavan Ram’s reverence toward Kaikeyi. Pleased with her selfless love, He assured her she would join him in Saket Lok (His divine abode).
Inspiration
Kaikeyi’s sacrifice highlights the essence of selfless love—giving without expectation and enduring pain for a higher purpose. Her story reminds us of the deeper truths embedded in sacred texts like the Ramayan.
Kevat’s Unwavering Devotion to Lord Ram
Another less celebrated episode from the Ramayan is the encounter between Lord Ram and Kevat, a humble boatman whose selflessness and pure devotion set an extraordinary example of surrender and service.
Kevat’s heart overflowed with devotion for Lord Ram. When he heard that Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, was approaching the river during Their exile, Kevat was filled with immense joy and reverence. He saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve his beloved Bhagavan.
Ram, Sita, and Lakshman arrived at the bank of the Ganges. Their journey required Them to cross the river, and Kevat was the only boatman present. However, when Ram approached him with a gentle request, Kevat did not rise. He remained seated, an unusual sight for a devotee in the presence of God. Ram repeated His request, “Dear Kevat, can you please take us across?” Yet, Kevat remained still, unlike an ordinary boatman eager for business.
How did he become so fearless before the Lord? Unlike others who sought material benefits or blessings from the Lord, Kevat’s love was selfless. His only desire was to offer his heartfelt service to Lord Ram. His pure love needed nothing in return. He was fearless, for selfless love knows no fear. Fear arises from desire—when we seek something from God. But Kevat sought nothing except the opportunity to serve.
With a knowing smile, Kevat finally spoke, “My Lord, I know your secret.”
Ram raised an eyebrow in amusement. “You know my secret? Great ascetics and yogis struggle to grasp the truth of God, and yet, you—you-a simple boatman—claim to understand?”
Kevat chuckled, “Indeed, my Lord. Word has reached me that when You walked past a cursed stone, it transformed into the wife of a great sage (Ahilya). If Your divine feet so much as touch my boat, I fear it may turn into another sage’s wife! And then, what will I do; how will I sustain two wives? My boat is my only means of survival!”
Ram laughed heartily. Sita, who had never seen Him laugh so openly, watched in delight. “Then what do you propose, Kevat?” Ram asked, playing along with the boatman’s devotion-filled jest.
Kevat’s eyes twinkled. “Before I allow you to step into my boat, I must wash Your feet to ensure no such transformation happens.”
But Kevat had a nobler plan. He was seizing the golden opportunity to serve the Lord. His only condition was: “My Lord, I will not ask You for the privilege of washing Your feet. Instead, You must request me!”
Amused by his devotee’s deep love, Ram requested, “Kevat, will you please wash my feet?”
Overjoyed, Kevat rushed to his hut to inform his wife. “Look! Look! What a wondrous fortune has befallen us! We have lived on the banks of the Ganges for years, but today, He from whose feet this very Ganges flows has come to us. We shall wash His feet!”
His flustered wife searched for a golden or silver vessel to perform the sacred task. But Kevat shook his head. “No, no! Bring a wooden vessel instead. The wood will absorb the water, and everything we cook in it afterward will become like nectar!”
With trembling hands, Kevat placed the vessel before Ram and requested, “My Lord, please stand here.” Ram stepped onto the wooden bowl, and Kevat, with a heart brimming with love, poured water over His feet. As the water swirled, Ram swayed slightly. Kevat quickly steadied Him. “My Lord, if You feel imbalanced, please place Your hands on my head.”
Kevat, satisfied with his cherished service, finally allowed Ram and His companions to board the boat. As they settled in, Kevat grasped his oar. But just as the boat neared the opposite bank, something unexpected happened—he turned the boat around and started rowing back!
Lakshman, confused, asked, “What is he doing?” Ram, smiling knowingly, replied, “Perhaps he forgot something.” Yet, when Kevat turned back again, it became clear—he was playfully mirroring the endless cycle of birth and death that the soul undergoes. “My Lord,” Kevat finally explained, “You have made all souls go round and round in this cycle of life and death. But You are losing patience in just a few rounds!”
After a few more playful turns, Kevat finally landed the boat on the other side. And at that moment, he fell at Ram’s feet, offering his loving obeisance. He had delayed this moment all along—if he had bowed earlier, he would have been obliged to take orders. But now, with his heart content with the divine association of Bhagavan, he surrendered completely.
Ram, touched by Kevat’s devotion, suddenly felt embarrassed. What could He offer in return? He carried nothing of material value.
Sita understood her Lord’s heart. She took out Her ring—engraved with Ram’s name—and handed it to Him. Ram held it out, “Kevat, I wish to give you this as your fare.”
Hearing the word ‘fare,’ Kevat’s eyes welled with tears. “Maharaj, I want nothing from You. What have I not received today? I, a simple tribal boatman, have had the immense fortune of serving You. What greater blessing could I ask for?”
Then, with folded hands, he made one final request. “My Lord, You and I share the same profession. I ferry people across this river; You ferry souls across the ocean of life and death. One day, when my time comes, please remember me and take me across.” Ram smiled warmly. “So be it.”
Kevat, with tears of joy, locked his Lord’s promise in his heart. As Ram and Sita stepped onto the sacred land beyond the Ganges, Kevat stood watching, his soul forever blessed by the touch of divinity.
Inspiration
This act of selfless love teaches us an invaluable lesson in devotion. True love for God is not transactional; it is unconditional. Kevat did not seek wealth, status, or even liberation—his only desire was to serve the Lord. Such purity of heart elevates an ordinary devotee to an exalted state of spiritual bliss.
Conclusion
Mother Kaikeyi and Kevat exhibited selfless love, which extolled service as the crown jewel of their devotion. They expected nothing for their sacrifice. Just as Kevat ferried Lord Ram across the river with devotion, may we, too, ferry our lives across the ocean of existence with unwavering faith, love, humility, and selfless service. That is the essence of true devotion, as beautifully illustrated in the Ramayan and expounded by Swami Mukundananda.
Call to Action:
1. Relish this soul-stirring Naam Sankirtan by Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj on the divine glory of Lord Ram and experience divine ecstasy: Jay Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram | Kripaluji Maharaj Bhajan | Deepawali Special Bhajan
2. Immerse in bhakti and cultivate the virtue of selflessness and surrender, through this Roopdhyan meditation:प्रभु श्रीराम का रूपध्यान - अयोध्या राम मंदिर उद्घाटन विशेष | Shree Ram Guided Roopdhyan #shreeram
3. Subscribe and share the Swami Mukundananda YouTube channel: Power of Selfless Devotion - Kevat | Ram Aayenge | Blissful Narration By Swami Mukundananda #ramayan
- Join Us for Ram Navami Celebrations at Radha Krishna Temple!
Celebrate this divine occasion with us at Radha Krishna Temple in Dallas! Experience vibrant cultural programs, divine rituals, and engaging activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy and devotion of Ram Navami.
Register now and be a part of this spiritual journey!
Resources
● Mukundananda, S. (2024).Spiritual Secrets From Hinduism. Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd: New Delhi, India.
● Ramayana - Kaikeyi an Evil Queen or A Saint? Lord Rama's Exile By Swami Mukundananda
● Power of Selfless Devotion - Kevat | Ram Aayenge | Blissful Narration By Swami Mukundananda #ramayan
● 3 Life Changing Stories From Ramayan That Will Transform Our Life | Swami Mukundananda