Story of Shabari

Shabari was a little Nishada/ tribal girl that lived in a forest with her parents. From her very young age, she wanted to learn more about Dharma and spirituality. She thus, left her parents and village to look for a Guru. But none of the Gurus accepted her as a student since she came from a tribal background. Shabari did not give up. She kept looking for a teacher and finally reached the ashram of Sage Matanga. Matanga was impressed with Shabari’s dedication and he could tell from her behavior that she is a devoted person looking for knowledge. He accepted her as her student. Shabari lived in Matanga’s ashram for many years learning and working in his ashram. One day, Matanga, called Shabari and said that he had become old and would soon leave his body and blessed her for her discipline, hard work, and devotion. A sad Shabari, who was also very old now, expressed her desire to meet the divine and be blessed. Matanga asked Shabari to wait for Lord Rama Himself to arrive and be blessed. Shabari was overjoyed with the words of her teacher and started waiting for the day the Lord would arrive. Every day, Shabari would wait for Lord Rama and would keep the ashram tidy and ready to host. After many years of waiting, Lord Rama arrived with his brother Lakshmana on the way to find his kidnapped wife- Sita. Shabari’s joy had no bounds. She received the two brothers and made them comfortable at her small ashram. She rushed to her garden and…