Sambodhi 2005 Vol 28

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, K M Patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 26

20
VIJAY PANDUA
SAMBODHI
washes Rāma's feet and places before Rāma the fruits which were collected by Śabarī and were nectarlike?
Further śabari recounts what her departed gurus had told her. They had told Śabarī that Rāma who is incarnation of primeval Purusa for the destruction of the demons and the protection of the sages, would come to the ashrama here. On beholding Rāma, the sires told her sabarī would go to the highest abode. Now Sabarī tells Rāma that prophesy made by her preceptors has been fulfilled. Your sight was not attainable even to my preceptors. I, a low-born, ignorant woman cannot qualify even to be a slave of your slaves removed hundred times, then what to talk of visualisation of you?
Here, unlike the Vālmīki-Rāmāyana, the low-born status of in Śabari is emphasized in order, of course, to glorify f-devotion which we will see the reply by Rāma.
Rāma says that, in devotion, it is not important to be a man or a woman. Rāma says that it is not possible to have a darśana of Rāma either by sacrifice, giving alms, austerities or study of the Vedas. Then Rāma gives a long sermon upon the nine-fold (TTT) devotion.
At the end of the sermon, and the episode, a twist is given to the entire narration of the episode. At the end, there is a moralising at the hands of the poet whoever he/she might be when Rāma is pleased, even a low-born sabarī attained salvation.
Further to consolidate the moral ground, the author says if a low-born woman like Śabarī can attain salvation, what to talk if Brahmins who are holy and devoted to Rāma4. Patronising tone of a higher-caste author does not remain unheard !
So one can perceive the immediate close interconnection between the word and the world.
Rāmcaritmānas by Tulsidas closely follows the Adhyātma-Rāmāyana in this episode. However, there is one more small detail added in the episode.
Sabarī placed before Rāma delicious fruits and bers and the Lord ate them, praising them again and again.
Tulsidas also moralises by saying that the one who was low-born was also liberated by the Lord. But Tulsidas has refrained from saying anything about