Shloka 1.1.57
श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)
सोऽभ्यगच्छन्महातेजाश्शबरीं शत्रुसूदन: ।।।।शबर्या पूजितस्सम्यग्रामो दशरथात्मज: ।
taṃ nihatya mahābāhur dadāha svargataś ca saḥ | sa cāsya kathayāmāsa śabarīṃ dharmacāriṇīm | śramaṇīṃ dharmanipuṇām abhigaccheti rāghava ||
Mighty-armed Rāma slew him and consigned him to the flames; and as Kabandha departed for heaven, he told Rāma: “O Rāghava, go to Śabarī—the female ascetic, devoted to dharma and skilled in its practice.”
Rama son of Dasaratha, destroyer of enemies and possessing great splendour approached Sabari who duly worshipped him৷৷
Dharma includes seeking guidance from the righteous: the narrative affirms that proximity to dharma-practitioners (like Śabarī) supports right action and truthful direction in times of uncertainty.
After Kabandha is slain and cremated, his curse is lifted; departing heavenward, he directs Rāma to meet Śabarī.
Rāma’s role as protector who removes a curse through decisive action, and his humility to accept guidance toward a saintly devotee.