Dr. Viswanath Pandey
EW News, New Delhi: On February 12, 2025, as the nation prepares to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Magh Purnima and the birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas, it is a time for reflection on the deep wisdom embedded in his teachings. Among the many pearls of wisdom he left behind, one quote stands out—“Man Changa, To Kathouti Mein Ganga”—meaning if the heart is pure and the intention is right, even a simple vessel (like a Kathouti, a small wooden container) can contain the purity and sanctity of the holy Ganga River. But why did Ravidas choose the metaphor of the Kathouti and how does it connect with the river Ganga, which is considered the holiest in Hinduism?
To understand the depth of this saying, we must journey into the heart of Ravidas’ teachings, and perhaps even look at a particular incident that made this saying not just popular, but a cornerstone of spiritual wisdom. So, let us explore the fascinating story behind this timeless phrase, one that resonates even today in the lives of those seeking purity in thought, word, and action.
The Story Behind the Saying
The story behind this saying begins one day when Sant Ravidas was sitting in his humble hut, lost in deep contemplation, meditating upon the divine. As he sat there, a Brahmin traveler passed by, on his way to take a dip in the holy river Ganga. The Brahmin, recognizing Sant Ravidas’ humble attire and simple ways, thought little of his company. But he had an urgent need—his shoes needed repairing. Approaching Ravidas, the Brahmin asked him to mend his footwear.
Ravidas, who was a man of few but meaningful words, asked the Brahmin, “Where are you heading in such a hurry?” The Brahmin replied, “I’m going to bathe in the holy Ganga to purify myself.”
Ravidas, ever the embodiment of spiritual wisdom, mended the shoes and refused to accept any payment. Instead, he requested the Brahmin to offer a small coin he had given him as a token of gratitude to Ganga, once he arrived there. The Brahmin, in a state of bewilderment, agreed and continued on his journey.
Upon reaching the banks of the Ganga, the Brahmin recited Ravidas’ words aloud—“O Ganga, accept this offering from Ravidas.”* To his amazement, a hand appeared from the river, snatched the coin from his palm, and, in return, bestowed a golden bracelet upon him.
The Brahmin, both in awe and confusion, returned home with the gift. But then a thought crossed his mind: How would Sant Ravidas know that the river Ganga had given me the bracelet in return? And so, in his greed and desire to gain more, the Brahmin thought, Why not give this bracelet to the king and receive something greater in return?
Upon presenting the golden bracelet to the king, the Brahmin was indeed rewarded with more wealth. But the queen, upon seeing the bracelet, desired another identical one for herself. The king, eager to fulfill his queen’s wish, demanded that the Brahmin bring back another bracelet or face punishment.
The Brahmin, struck with fear, began to panic. Where would he find another bracelet like the one Ganga had given him? Desperate and unable to think of any other solution, the Brahmin rushed back to Sant Ravidas, seeking his guidance.
Upon hearing the Brahmin’s plight, Ravidas, with a calm smile, reassured him, “Do not worry. I will pray to the Ganga to give us another bracelet. You are safe, and I will save you from harm.”
Then, with serene faith, Ravidas took a small Kathouti (a wooden vessel used for holding leather) and filled it with water. As he invoked the blessings of Ganga, he sprinkled the water from the Kathouti in the air. To the Brahmin’s astonishment, another identical golden bracelet appeared in the vessel.
Ravidas handed the bracelet to the Brahmin, and he returned to the king, presenting the second bracelet. The king was pleased, and the Brahmin’s life was saved.
The Deeper Meaning of “Man Changa, To Kathouti Mein Ganga”
This story not only illustrates the kindness and compassion of Sant Ravidas but also reveals the deeper philosophical meaning embedded in the phrase “Man Changa, To Kathouti Mein Ganga”. What is Ravidas trying to convey through this powerful metaphor?
First, let’s look at the Kathouti. It is a simple, humble container, nothing more than a small wooden vessel used by Sant Ravidas to hold water, usually for his leather work. The Kathouti is not significant in itself; it’s just an ordinary, everyday object. But when Ravidas filled it with water, invoking the power of the Ganga, something extraordinary happened. The pure intention behind the act—the purity of heart and faith in the divine—transformed this simple container into something holy.
This shows that it is not the external appearances or the material possessions that matter, but the purity of one’s heart and the goodness of intention. Ravidas, through his deep faith and connection with the divine, proved that the sanctity of a humble vessel could rival that of the sacred river itself.
The Role of Purity and Intentions in Our Lives
The story teaches us an important lesson—no matter how ordinary or insignificant we may seem on the outside, if our hearts are pure and our intentions are true, the divine will always find a way to support us. This can be seen as a metaphor for life itself. We often go through struggles, big and small, but if our intentions are aligned with righteousness, our efforts will bear fruit, even in the most unexpected ways.
Consider the Brahmin, whose materialistic desires led him to act out of greed, only to be saved by the purity of Sant Ravidas’ heart. When the Brahmin was in trouble, it was Ravidas’ pure faith that saved him, demonstrating that the divine does not look at one’s status or wealth, but at the sincerity of one’s actions.
The message here extends beyond religion and spirituality. In the modern world, we often find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of material success, validation, and recognition. However, Sant Ravidas’ teaching reminds us that no matter how much we achieve in terms of wealth or fame, it is our inner purity, sincerity, and goodness that will define our true success. The true treasures of life—peace, love, and spiritual fulfillment—are accessible to everyone, regardless of their social standing or material possessions, as long as their hearts remain pure.
The Spiritual Implications of “Man Changa, To Kathouti Mein Ganga”
For those on a spiritual journey, Ravidas’ wisdom is even more profound. The river Ganga symbolizes divine grace and purity. By invoking the Ganga through a humble Kathouti, Ravidas illustrated that God does not require grand gestures or opulent rituals. The true sanctity comes from within—the purity of the mind and heart.
In today’s world, where spirituality often becomes intertwined with consumerism and showmanship, Ravidas’ message is a call to return to simplicity. True devotion does not depend on external symbols but on the sincerity of one’s faith and actions. The Kathouti with Ganga’s blessing is a reminder that it is the spirit, not the material world, that connects us to the divine.
As we celebrate Ravidas Jayanti, let us reflect on the timeless wisdom of Sant Ravidas and the profound simplicity of the phrase “Man Changa, To Kathouti Mein Ganga.” The story is not just about a Brahmin’s moment of crisis; it is a powerful reminder to each one of us about the transformative power of purity and the importance of keeping our intentions pure in all aspects of life. In a world that often values external success over internal peace, Ravidas’ teaching remains more relevant than ever.
In the end, just as Ravidas could invoke the Ganga from the humble Kathouti, we too can find divine blessings in our everyday actions if our hearts are pure and our intentions sincere.
