Shabari's Patient Devotion

1. Shabari served the wise sage Matanga and the devotees in his forest ashrama. She performed simple tasks with a sincere heart.
2. Before leaving this world, Matanga told Shabari that Lord Rama would visit her. He asked her to wait with faith.
3. Shabari swept the paths and kept the ashrama clean each day. She wanted everything ready for the Lord.
4. She gathered fresh flowers and placed them near the entrance. Years passed, but her welcome never grew tired.
5. Shabari collected wholesome fruits and roots to offer her honoured guest. She chose them carefully and kept them clean.
6. Rainy seasons and summers came and went while Shabari grew old. Her remembrance of Rama remained young.
7. One day she saw Rama and Lakshmana walking toward the ashrama. Joy made her hands tremble.
8. Shabari bowed and washed the travellers' feet with fresh water. Rama accepted her humble service with a smile.
9. She placed forest fruits before Rama and Lakshmana. The Lord valued the love in the offering more than any royal feast.
10. Rama kindly asked whether her worship and self-control brought peace. Shabari said that seeing Him had fulfilled her whole life.
11. She showed the brothers the places where Matanga and his students had prayed. The quiet ashrama carried their devotion.
12. Shabari described Rishyamukha Hill and the vanara prince Sugriva. She assured Rama that Sugriva would help search for Sita.
13. With Rama's permission, Shabari completed her earthly life in peaceful meditation. The Lord blessed His faithful devotee.
14. Rama and Lakshmana reached the sparkling lake surrounded by blossoms and birds. Its beauty reminded Rama of Sita.
15. From Rishyamukha Hill, Sugriva saw the armed strangers and became afraid. He sent his wisest minister, Hanuman, to learn who they were.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11