Word

Sabari

Sanskrit

शबरी

IAST

śabarī

In General

Sabari was a women ascetic who waited for the arrival of Sri Rama to get redemption from her sin. Sabari advised Rama to cross river Pamba, reach Rsysmuka hill and meet Sugreeva.

The Sabari hills and river Pamba is now famous as seat of Lord Ayyappa. This can be the same place where The women ascetic Sabari did Tapas.

Purana

Sabari was called Malini in her early life. She was daughter of Gandharva King, Citrakavaca who gave her in marriage to sage Virochana. The Sage was always in meditation; lonely at the forest Malini developed a secret relation ship with a hunter. When the sage found that his wife being attracted to another man he cursed her to be a hunter woman. Malini in tears sought redemption from the curse from her husband, and he told her that she would get absolution from her infamy and the curse from Sri Rama.

Malini then lead an ascetic life in Sabari hills next to Sage Matanga's ashram waiting for Sri Rama. She was then known as Sabari for her stay Sabari hills. Many seasons and years passed. At last Rama and Laksmana on their way to Matangasrama met Sabari. She presented them with the best fruits in the forest. Rama was so very pleased with her care devotion that he offered her salvation. The sage Virochana then came and accepted his wife.