राम और शबरी के बेर

Deep in the Dandaka forest lived Shabari, an ageing woman of humble birth who had devoted her whole life to serving the sages and waiting for the day Rama would pass her way. Her teacher had told her that one day the Lord himself would come.

When at last Rama and Lakshmana arrived at her simple hut, Shabari was overcome with joy. She had gathered wild berries to offer them — and, in her tender care that they should be sweet and not sour, she had quietly tasted each one first before giving it.

By custom, such offerings would be considered impure. Yet Rama received the berries from her hands and ate them with delight, honouring not the fruit but the boundless love behind it. He spoke to her with warmth and gratitude, as he would to anyone dear to him.

Shabari's long wait was complete. The story is remembered wherever people are taught that the Divine looks past rank and ritual, and sees only the heart.