Shabari's Devotion

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 towards 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 Chitrakuta one day and visit me." 

Shabari felt she was the luckiest woman in the world to meet 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.