Shloka 3.74.10
शबरी-आश्रम-प्रवेशः (Rama and Lakshmana at Sabari’s Hermitage)
रामेण तापसी पृष्टा सा सिद्धा सिद्धसम्मता।शशंस शबरी वृद्धा रामाय प्रत्युपस्थिता।।।।
rāmeṇa tāpasī pṛṣṭā sā siddhā siddha-sammatā | śaśaṁsa śabarī vृद्धā rāmāya pratyupasthitā ||
Questioned by Rama, the ascetic Śabarī—accomplished and revered by the siddhas—stood before him, and the aged Śabarī spoke in reply to Rama.
When Rama asked Sabari who was an old, accomplished ascetic adored by siddhas, she stood in front and replied :
Dharma honors spiritual merit over social status: Śabarī’s recognized attainment shows that righteousness and devotion are accessible through sincere practice.
Rama meets Śabarī; upon his question, she respectfully stands before him and begins her response.
Śabarī’s humility and readiness to serve—approaching Rama with reverence and truthful speech.