||Sri Ram Jeyram Jay Jay Ram ||

 

Chapter – 14 - Aranya Kandam

Rama removes the curse on Kabandha/ meets Shabari

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, Raghunatha is kind and compassionate, he provided the status of Yogi and Paramamgathi to an eagle that eats on meat. The people who take immense pleasure in the material world and comforts, leaving Srihari are unfortunate ones. The two brothers conducted a meticulous search for Devi Sita in the woods, gradually they have entered the dense forest, and it was the dwelling place wild animals and numerous creepers and woods. On their way, Rama provided liberation to the demon Kabandha who was a celestial Gandharva cursed by Sage Durvassa, and attained the Moksha, Rama spoke “Oh! Gandharva, I do not tolerate the cruelties against the twice-born. Whoever serves the Bhramin with mind, deeds, and words, would attain the grace of Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara as well. The ascetics strongly believe that a Bhramin is venerable at all times, if he curses someone, or punished or poured harsh words, should not be disrespected. A Brahmin who is pleasant or not should be honored highly, a Shudra even though he is highly intelligent do not deserve any appreciation.” Prabhu advised the Bhakti Marga to Kabandha and highly pleased with his devotion. Kabandha attained his real form as Gandharva, prostrated before Rama, and returned to his celestial abode.

 

Rama and Lakshman visited the hermitage of Sage Mathanga, where Shabari was eagerly waiting for the arrival of Prabhu.   Shabari saw two handsome youth attired in saffron robes, wielded in bow and arrow, long hands, matted hair locks, adorned in prayer beads on the chest, one youth in dark cloud complexioned and another one was fair, Shabari remembered the words of her preceptor Sage Mathanga and guessed it as Rama and Lakshman. She prostrated before them, and took hold of their feet, shed tears of joy, she could not utter a single word due to the rush of love for Prabhu, she repeatedly prostrated before their feet. She brought some water on the wooden vessel and washed their feet, and made them seated in a comfortable place.  She brought succulent fruits from the woods and offered to Rama. Prabhu happily ate whatever she had offered; she stood before him with folded hands, her love and devotion for Prabu multiplied while watching his loveliness. She spoke with tears “Oh! Prabho, I have born in a lowly clan, and am a dull-minded woman, how did I praise you? Oh! Papanashana, ‘Sthree’ is considered as impure by birth, and I am the dull-minded among them.”

 

Rama spoke pleasantly “Oh! Bhamini, listen to me. I do not look for anything other than Bhakti, Oh! Passionate woman, listen to me carefully, even though a person born in illustrious clan, have good relationships, prowess, courage, Dharma, Keerthi, Dhanam, the strength of people and relatives, virtues and qualifications, if he has no devotion it would be like the cloud that cannot give rains. I shall narrate nine types of Bhakti to you, listen to them carefully, and keep it in your mind. 1) Association with saintly men and ascetics 2 ) Interest in listening and reading the glorious myths from the scriptures that praising my glories 3) Worship at the feet of preceptor 4) singing in praise of my glories and virtues without any desires 5) Reciting the sacred names as mentioned in the Veda 6) Performance of austerities, celibacy, righteousness, 7) serving the devotees of mine without any impartiality realizes the presence of me in everything 8)  The practice of sense of contentment and satisfaction, and do not look or listen to the mistakes of others  and 9) The practice of humility, kindness, compassion, and practice of devotion and faith. Whoever possesses any one of the above said qualities would remain beloved of mine. Oh! Bhamini, you are highly fortunate one, and devoted, you have attained the status even the Yogis cannot achieve. You have achieved the highest of the meritorious reward that the Jeevathma attained the Paramathma. Oh! Excellent woman, if you know anything about Janaki, kindly describe it to me.”

 

Shabari speaks “Oh! Prabhu, Oh! Raghava, kindly move to the shores of Pamba, you will meet Sugreeva and make friends with him. He will describe all that you wanted to hear. Oh! Raghava, you are omniscient, Oh! Raghuveera you are powerful, you are the knower of all, still asking me for advice.” She repeatedly prostrated at the feet of Rama and Lakshman, described her stories affectionately. Shabari explained Sage Mathanga’s instruction to wait for Rama and her long-cherished wish to meet Rama. She kept looking at the loveliness of Prabhu, contemplating upon the supreme Lord, she left mortal coil in Yogagani, eventually attained the abode of Prabhu.

 

Saint Tulsidas speaks “Oh! Mortals, leave all the immoral deeds, attachment to Karma and various beliefs, these could bring grief and sufferings only, hence cultivate intense devotion and faith at the lotus feet of Rama. Oh! Mahamandha Manas/dull-minded, do not get attached to worldly matters and bondage, leaving the supreme Lord who is extremely compassionate provided liberation to a woman of a lowly clan.”