Shabari in the Ramayana: Her Devotion to Shri Ram
Shabari is a devotee of Shri Ram whose hospitality appears in the Aranya Kand of the Ramcharitmanas. Goswami Tulsidas also remembers her in Bal Kand, doha 24, as a faithful servant upon whom Shri Ram confers immortality. Her place in this teaching rests on her devotion and service to Him.
Shabari's hospitality in Aranya Kand
Devotion takes a practical form when we welcome and serve the Lord. Shabari's hospitality belongs to the forest narrative of the Ramcharitmanas. The Gita Press note accompanying Bal Kand, doha 24, directs readers to Aranya Kand, from the third chaupai associated with doha 33 through doha 36, for her account.
Begin with her service. Shabari is remembered through her hospitality to Shri Ram. This gives us a simple point of attention while reading: how does love express itself through service? Read her account with that question in mind, keeping her actions and Shri Ram's grace together.
Why Goswami Tulsidas remembers Shabari
Faithful service receives Shri Ram's grace. In Bal Kand, doha 24, Goswami Tulsidas names Shabari and Jatayu as faithful servants upon whom Shri Ram confers immortality. The Gita Press translation identifies Shabari as a Bhil woman. Yet the teaching here concerns her relationship with the Lord: she belongs among His faithful servants.
Let faithfulness guide our attention. A reader may seek many details about Shabari's life, but this doha gives a clear reason to remember her. Goswami Tulsidas places her before us as an example of service blessed by Shri Ram. Carry that emphasis into the reading of her hospitality in Aranya Kand.
What her example teaches about Shri Ram's Name
Having named Shabari and Jatayu, Goswami Tulsidas turns our attention to the power of Shri Ram's Name. Bal Kand, doha 24, places the immortality granted to these faithful servants beside the deliverance that His Name has brought to innumerable people. Shabari's example thus serves a wider teaching about the Lord's grace.
Remember the Name with devotion. One may wonder why Shabari appears in Bal Kand when her account belongs to Aranya Kand. Here, Goswami Tulsidas invokes a known devotee to help us understand the greatness of the Name. As we read about her service, we can also make remembrance of Shri Ram part of our daily practice.
Verses
सबरी गीध सुसेवकनि सुगति दीन्हि रघुनाथ। नाम उधारे अमित खल बेद बिदित गुन गाथ॥२४॥
Śrī Raghunātha conferred immortality only on faithful servants like Śabarī (the celebrated Bhīla woman) and the vulture, Jaṭāyu⁴, while His Name has delivered innumerable wretches; the tale of Its virtues is well-known in the Vedas. (24) 4. For the accounts of Śabarī and Jaṭāyū see Araṇyakāṇḍa 33. 3 to 36 and 28. 4 to 32 respectively.
Bal Kand, Doha 24
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Who was Shabari in the Ramayana?
Shabari is a devotee remembered for her hospitality to Shri Ram in Aranya Kand. In Bal Kand, doha 24, Goswami Tulsidas names her among the faithful servants upon whom Shri Ram confers immortality. The Gita Press translation identifies her as a Bhil woman.
Where can I read Shabari's story in the Ramcharitmanas?
Read Shabari's account in Aranya Kand. The Gita Press note attached to Bal Kand, doha 24, points to the third chaupai associated with doha 33 through doha 36. Bal Kand, doha 24, also remembers her briefly while teaching the greatness of Shri Ram's Name.
Why is Shabari remembered as a devotee?
Goswami Tulsidas remembers Shabari as a faithful servant blessed by Shri Ram. Her hospitality in Aranya Kand gives service a concrete expression. Bal Kand, doha 24, names her alongside Jatayu as a recipient of immortality, then draws our attention to the deliverance brought by Shri Ram's Name.