Shabari
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Shabari (Sanskrit: शबरी) is a minor character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the Ramayana, she was an ardently devoted woman who received Rama's darshan and blessing due to her bhakti to Him.
Shabari was born to a low-caste tribal community. When she reached her age of marriage, her father arranged her marriage to a man from the same community. She was an ardent from her childhood and strongly believed in and practiced truth, love, and non-violence. She was a down to earth person and loved all living creatures including wild animals and plants. Her would-be-husband planned to sacrifice some goats and chickens as a gesture of celebation for their upcoming wedding. Looking at his cruel intentions, she fled the community and went for a shelter to the ashram (shelter home) of Saint Matang. Saint Matang was one of the most renowed saints of the time and was very learned and wise. He heard Shabari's plead for shelter and accepted her as his disciple despite objections from some people (because Saint Matang was a Bhramin and Shabari was born into a low caste) and the tribal community.
Shabari was becoming more and more devoted to the Lord day by day in the Matang ashram. She even performed a very difficult meditation and penance and gained "siddhis" or "power", after which she was called Mother Shabari. One day, Saint Matang, after realizing that His time on the earth was over decided to leave the earth and move to his abode (in the universe) along with his disciples. However, inspired by her true devotion, he instructed Shabari to stay in the ashram to welcome Lord Ram and his brother Lakhsman, who would one day bless her with their divine presence at the ashram. Saint Matang also told her to learn the nine fold paths of devotion from the Lord and then come to his abode.
Mother Shabari waited for years looking way for the Lord. She would everyday gather some flowers and carpet the way with them thinking that the Lord might come there anytime. She would also get fresh fruits everyday and taste them selecting only the sweet ones. Then one day, Lord Ram, along with his brother Laksman arrived at the Matang ashram. Mother Shabari was overcome with tears because of the divine presence; she had no measure of joy and happiness within her. The Lord happily accepted the half eaten fruits from Shabari and ate them praising her devotion.
Lord Ram then blessed her with the nine fold devotion and granted her liberation-mokshya! The Lord told her that the God Almighty does not see who is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, wise or foolish; all He sees is the devotion His devotee has.
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