Shabari

Shabari a hunter's child longed to be a disciple of true wisdom(Brahma Jnana), but was refused because of low caste. Sage Matanga took her into the Ashram but was spurned for this decision. Matanga told Shabari stay in the Ashram & serve. Before dying he asked his devotee "what can I do for you ? " she asked, " may I come with you " he replied, "No" Then one day picking berries she met a Rishi who found her unworthy of touching water. He threw a stone at her and as her leg bled, the lake turned red. Rishi cried "A drop of blood from an outcast and the lake is blood. Shabari went back to the Ashram crying. The water remained red until Lord Rama arrived at the forest. Rishis asked for his help. "Lord, one touch of your foot and it will be water again " Lord Rama walks in and the blood stays red. Lord Rama asks "Tell me, how did it turn to blood?" They recanted the story of the sage and Shabari. How the Rishi threw the stone and how the lake turned red. When Rama heard her name, he placed a hand on his heart, "It is not Shabari's blood but mine. I can not clean this lake." "Lord we need water" they cried, "Bring her to me " he replied.... Shabari ran towards him with soiled feet. As the dirt fell in the lake the water became clear again. Lord Rama said, " the dust from a pure devotee makes all waters clean" Shabari, invited Lord Rama over to eat berries. Lakshman tells Rama, "Brother don't eat them, they are half eaten." but Lord Rama eats them anyway, "Brother, Whomever offers me fruit with love, I will eat with great joy" Lord Rama so touched by her great love asked, "What is it you wish for, it shall be granted " Shabari cried, "Lord, unite my soul with that of my Guru " Rama blessed her and her body vanished. She has finally merged with her beloved Guru.