Kabandh's Counsel and Shabari's Devotion

Kabandh explained that he was once handsome and brave but used to trouble the rishis in the forest by assuming different forms. One day, he angered Rishi Sthoolsira by assuming his current form. "You will remain in this form indefinitely," cursed the rishi. Kabandh pleaded for the curse to be lifted, and the rishi relented slightly, saying that he would return to his true form when Ram and Lakshman cut off his arms and performed his last rites in the deserted forest. The two brothers followed through with this, and as Kabandh's body was set on fire, a handsome man wearing white clothes emerged, adorned with a necklace and jewels.

"Ram, I will tell you how to get Seeta back," he said. "In this situation, you and Lakshman must feel helpless, so you need a friend. Without an accomplice, you will not be successful in your mission."

Kabandh then told them where they could find an accomplice. "Displaced by his brother Bali, the monkey Sugreev lives on Rishyamook Mountain. Sugreev is the son of the Sun god and a brave and powerful monkey. He knows all the places where the sun shines and can locate your wife from anywhere with his fellow monkeys. By sending his powerful fellow monkeys in all four directions, he will be able to find Seeta, who must be sad because of your separation. Ram, go quickly and, with fire as the witness, make a vow of friendship with Sugreev. He can change his form according to his will. He needs your help now, and once you help him, he will be grateful. Together, the two of you can succeed in your mission. He will find Seeta from any corner of the earth."

Kabandh showed Ram and Lakshman the path to Sugreev. On the way, the two brothers visited Shabari's cottage. Shabari was once a student of Maharshi Matang. When Shabari learned that Lord Ram and Lakshman were heading toward their cottage, her happiness knew no bounds. With matchless devotion and reverence, she seated Ram on a chair, washed his feet, and gave him sweet fruits to eat. 

Shabari told Ram, "My guru, Maharshi Matang, once told me that when Lord Vishnu was incarnated on Earth as Lord Ram, he would come from Chitrakoot one day and visit me." 

Shabari felt like the luckiest woman in the world because she was fortunate enough to welcome Lord Ram. Ram was also pleased to meet Shabari and lovingly ate the berries she gave him. Ram told Shabari about what had happened to his wife, Seeta. Shabari also advised him to become friends with Sugreev in order to find Seeta. Then, Shabari showed Ram Maharshi Matang's ashram and told him about the Maharshi's miracles. 

After meeting Ram in person, Shabari's final desire was fulfilled. She prepared her own funeral pyre and set it alight. Then, with Lord Ram's permission, she entered the fire, and her soul left her body. The brothers were stunned by her devotion.