Rama and Lakshmana walked towards Rishyamooka mountain, sharing their sorrow and their guilt at leaving Seeta alone, trying to find her all the time. On the way, they came to a hut where Shabari lived. She was a poor forest dweller who had been a disciple of a Rishi Matanga and had been waiting for to meet Rama before seeking her salvation. When Rama and Lakshmana came to her hut, she was overwhelmed with joy! She had only a few berries to offer them. Placing them on a leaf she sat down at Rama’s feet, and tasting each berry in turn, she gave him only the sweet one to eat. Rama ate them with relish. Lakshmana was at first a little disgusted at having to eat half-chewed berries. But Rama’s love for his devotee was a lesson to him. When Rama left, Shabari lit a fire and gave herself to the flames.
Shabari Serves Rama
