Mother Sabari’s birth anniversary celebration by tribals: an epitome of love beyond caste, creed & religion
Dr.Badal Tah,
Associate editor,Odishabart
Rayagada, February 15: Mata Sabari’s birth anniversary celebration was held with great devotion under the guidance of Pujya Yogishree Chaitanya Ramji at Sri Shabari Narayan Temple, which is being built in the courtyard of Sri Hanuman Temple in Siltiguda village under Kotapeta Panchayat. Devotees from all over the district joined the program and worshipped Mata Sabari and were immersed in devotion regarding the beautiful story of Mata Sabari in Ramayana.
Jogishri said that in the coming days, the construction and inauguration of this temple will be done beautifully with the full cooperation and presence of 1008 villages and the divine presence of the forest dwellers from all over Odisha. Bidulata Huika joined the program as the chief guest and installed a photo of Mata Sabari and participated in the gram parikrama and helped in conducting the program in a systematic manner. The village head, Jani, Disari, Pujari, Pujarini, devotees from different parts of the village participated in the program. The village leaders namely Sing Pulaka, Kurmaya Himirika, Haldhar Kadraka, Narayan Kandagiri, Malana Saraka, Sun Himirika and others moderated the whole event.
It may be noted that Sabari was a tribal woman saint from Dandakaranya in Ramayan period. She used to pick fresh, tasty fruits and keep them for Sage Matanga. Pleased by her selfless service, before his death, Matanga told her: “One day Lord Rama will come to this ashram (hermitage) and bless you.” Sabari in full faith decided to wait for Rama’s arrival, although she did not have the faintest idea of how the Lord would look, how He would come, etc. She waited for his arrival for 13 long years. Every day she used to sweep the pathway for several miles and she would collect fresh fruits which were found in the forest, holding them as an offering, should the Lord manifest. She cleared pebbles and thorns in the path. She walked through the forest and removed overhanging creepers and briars, for she imagined Rama would not have combed his hair and it might get caught. She broke the lumps of earth, for she feared the soles of Rama will be hurt when he walks over them.
At last, Rama and Lakshman visited ashram. When Sabari saw them, they were dressed like hermits and carried bows and arrows. No known form of Lord or Prince. But she realized the ecstasy brewing up deep inside. The old woman was overwhelmed with joy. She washed the feet of the prince. She had nothing to offer to Ram. Tears trickled from her eyes. Sabari was not sure whether the fruits she earlier collected were tasty, sour or poisonous. She wanted to offer the sweetest among the fruits to Rama. So she tasted them first a little and threw away all that was sour and not good. And then she offered him sweet fruits only. The Lord heartily accepted them. “Mother ! These fruits are as sweet as your own heart,” Rama said. Lakshman, with tears rolling down his cheeks, was silently observing the pure love between Lord and the great devotee. Until now he used to think that there was nobody on the earth who loved Ram as dearly as he did. But that day, Sabari proved him wrong. After this divine incident, Sabari attained Moksha (liberation).
Bidulata said,”The story of Sabari teaches us about the innocent devotion to the lord. It shows us that no matter our caste or creed or religion, it is always possible to attain the Lord through pure devotion. There are no rules of etiquette for devotion. Devotion is nothing but unconditional love of god for its own sake.
The devotee does not expect anything in return for his love. He/she is ready to sacrifice everything for love of God.” Jogishree told, “The story of Rama teaches us that life is all about struggle, hardship and misery. Rama is the divine pride of India. Rama is not a religious symbol. He was the very embodiment of spontaneous surging of love. The love for Rama transcends religion, caste, creed and race.”
