Shabari
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Shabari
Where the virtuous Lord Rama inspires loyalty & instils purity in every heart. When it comes to the famous epic of Ramayana, no place is as rich with its legends as Chhattisgarh. Shivrinarayan is one of the most prominent places of religious importance, owing to Lord Rama's presence here during Vanvasa. This town has been associated with Shabari of the Ramayana period making it an important pilgrimage site among the Hindus. It is also situated at the confluence of three rivers, Mahanadi, Jonk and Shivnath which further enhances its holiness. Purushottam Tirth: Shivrinarayan is a famous Purushottam Teerth and the enigma surrounding its origin is quite interesting. History has it that during his Vanvasa Lord Rama stayed here in the Dandakaranya and met Shabari. Tasting the delicious fruits offered by Shabari, he went on to proceed in this dense forest. Since their encounter, this sacrosanct place came to be known as Shivrinarayan. Shabari was a loyal devotee of Lord Rama and this legend has since then acquired fame all over India.
Shabari Temple
Shivrinarayan is situated just 60kms away via the Bilaspur roadway. The beautiful Shabari –Narayan Temple is an epitome of infinite devotion, unmatched loyalty and faith. It is situated at the confluence of the three great rivers: Mahanadi, Jonk and Shivnath. Like all the masterpieces of Chhattisgarh, this temple too is beautifully crafted during the 12th Century AD in the Kalchuri Kaleen period. The Garbha Griha of the Shabari-Narayan Temple has a splendid idol of Chaturbhuji Vishnu and Goddess Shabari. It is one of the major attractions of Chhattisgarh and must be visited with equal curiosity and faith.
Historic Importance
The story of Shabari continues to enchant devotees beyond measure. Traditional folklore has it that Shabar was a mighty king who ruled Dandakaranya. King Shabar was a loyal devotee of Lord Rama. His intelligent and wise daughter Shabari was a free-willed girl. The king wanted to get his daughter married but Shabari had other things on her mind. She left home, reaching the scenic and serene hermitage of sage Matanga. This hermitage was situated near Pampa Sarovar (pond).
This entire territory was called the Matanga Van (forest) and the divine sage's popularity as a learned guru was famous all over the country. Young students and disciples from all over India came to this Gurukul in order to attain knowledge and wisdom. Shabari bowed in front of the revered sage and asked for refuge at the Ashram. The kind sage accepted Shabari into his hermitage knowing that she had an important role to play in the near future.
Shabari was full of faith and devotion, ready to learn fast. During Shri Rama's Vanvasa, Matanga sacrificed himself and left the world to attain other spiritual heights. While on his deathbed, Sage Matanga told Shabari that she should stay at this place and wait for Rama and Lakshmana who will visit this hermitage very soon. He also told her to welcome them and get Moksha with their blessings. Saying so, the sage left the world by touching Shabari's heart and instilling immense faith for Lord Rama in her. So dedicated was she to the commands of her guru that she took up the responsibility of the hermitage and started waiting for Rama and his brother. With complete trust in her heart that the Lord would arrive one day, she started to decorate the main gate with flowers, bearing hope that Rama will visit her hut soon.
Shabari would collect fruits and flowers every day, as if sure that Lord Rama was to arrive any moment. Her devotion bore fruit when Lord Rama and Lakshmana came in search of Goddess Sita to the Ashram one day. After many years of wait, Shabari was delighted to see Lord Rama and lost herself in infinite faith and love. Her old, weary eyes refused to believe that Lord Rama himself was standing in front of her and her life had finally been blessed.
Shabari's sincerity and years of severe reverence had paid off and she recognized the God in his most humble appearance. She immediately fell to his feet, as tears of joy rushed from her overwhelmed heart. Lord Rama was deeply touched by her faith and lifted her lovingly with his hands. Shabari welcomed Rama and his brother with a shower of flowers and offered them delicious fruits that she had collected. Mother Shabari had only Ber fruits to offer that day and she wanted to make sure that they were sweet, so she started tasting them herself. While giving only the sweet ones with her own hands to Lord Rama, Shabari felt her mind reach a new spiritual high. Sensing her devotion and love for him, Lord Rama was touched and devoured the Ber fruits with great joy. Since then, the famous story of Lord Rama tasting Shabari's self-eaten Ber fruits became famous. It meant that the God's love for his devotees was beyond any caste, creed or religion.
Lord Rama ate the Ber fruits with immense happiness as if they tasted like heaven. Devotees of the Ashram would lovingly say that the sweetness of Shabari's Bers for Lord Rama was far greater than anything ever offered to him even by Goddess Sita or his mothers. Nothing could match her taste of love and uncharted devotion. From then on, the story of Shabari's reverence became an example to be followed by every pilgrim. Lord Rama said that Shabari had attained the secret of Moksha and not even the biggest Yogis could find the way to this spiritual summit. This Shabari had easily achieved! Shabari played a very important role in helping Lord Rama find his wife Sita. When he asked her about Sita she took him to the Pampa Sarovar where she had befriended Sugreeva. After her goal was accomplished, Shabari was satisfied and bowed once again in front of the Lord and his brother. With the impression of Lord's feet in her mind, she discarded her body and her soul attained Moksha. Lord Rama returned his love for Shabari with immense motherly respect and adoration. After the kidnapping of Sita, Lord Rama acknowledged the love of both Father Gidhraj Jatayu and Mother Shabari. They took the prestigious position of his second parents.
Chhattisgarh's folks revere Shabari as the daughter of the land and the holy confluence of many rivers came to be known as Shivrinarayan owing to her name. It is believed that this place must have been the same place where her Ashram was located. Chhattisgarh's association with Goddess Shabari does not end here, as one of Bastar's rivers is also called Shabari. While on the Purushottam Tirth, it is a joy to come witness the presence of Lord Rama in the sacred land of Shabari. Her faith and love for God enlivens every spirit and brings religious harmony into the heart. The Temples and various places here are dedicated to her glory and still hold enough proof of her existence.
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation is available at hotels and shelters in Bilaspur and Shivrinarayan.
