Kabandha's Advice and Shabari's Devotion

Kabandha explained that he was once handsome and brave but used to trouble the sages in the forest by assuming different forms. One day, he angered Sage Sthoolsira by assuming his current form. "You will remain in this form indefinitely," cursed the sage. Kabandha pleaded for the curse to be lifted, and the sage relented slightly, saying that he would return to his true form when Rama and Lakshmana cut off his arms and performed his last rites in the deserted forest. The two brothers followed through with this, and as Kabandha's body was set on fire, a handsome man wearing white clothes emerged, adorned with a necklace and jewels.

"Rama, I will tell you how to get Sita back," he said. "In this situation, you and Lakshmana must feel helpless, so you need a friend. Without an ally, you will not be successful in your mission."

Kabandha then told them where they could find an ally. "Displaced by his brother Vali, the monkey Sugriva lives on Rishyamook Mountain. Sugriva is the son of the Sun god, Surya, and a brave and powerful monkey. He knows all the places where the sun shines and can locate your wife from anywhere with his fellow monkeys. By sending his powerful fellow monkeys in all four directions, he will be able to find Sita, who must be sad because of your separation. Rama, go quickly and, with fire as the witness, make a vow of friendship with Sugriva. He can change his form according to his will. He needs your help now, and once you help him, he will be grateful. Together, the two of you can succeed in your mission. He will find Sita from any corner of the earth."

Kabandha showed Rama and Lakshmana the path to Sugriva. On the way, the two brothers visited Shabari's cottage. Shabari was once a student of Maharshi Matanga. When Shabari learned that Lord Rama and Lakshmana were heading toward their cottage, her happiness knew no bounds. With matchless devotion and reverence, she seated Rama on a chair, washed his feet, and gave him sweet fruits to eat. 

Shabari told Rama, "My guru, Maharshi Matanga, once told me that when Lord Vishnu was incarnated on Earth as Lord Rama, he would come from Chitrakoot one day and visit me." 

Shabari felt like the luckiest woman in the world because she was fortunate enough to welcome Lord Rama. Rama was also pleased to meet Shabari and lovingly ate the berries she gave him. Rama told Shabari about what had happened to his wife, Sita. Shabari also advised him to become friends with Sugriva in order to find Sita. Then, Shabari showed Rama Maharshi Matanga's ashram and told him about the Maharshi's miracles. 

After meeting Rama in person, Shabari's final desire was fulfilled. She prepared her own funeral pyre and set it alight. Then, with Lord Rama's permission, she entered the fire, and her soul left her body. The brothers were stunned by her devotion.