Sabari was an old woman saint who resided in the ashram of Sage Mathanga during the Ramayana period. She belonged to the hunter's tribe and was greatly spiritual even when from a very young age. Sage Mathanga, while leaving his body, assured Sabari that
Lord Ram would arrive at the ashram in due course and instructed her to give a ceremonial welcome for the lord. She waited, grew old and blind with longing to see the lord.
Meanwhile, during the search for Sita, Ram and Lakshman killed a demon, Kabandakan, who was changed to that form due to a curse. After releasing from the curse, he told Ram that the devout Sabari was waiting for him at the ashram. Both the brothers visited the ashram, where Sabari treated them with great hospitality. She offered fruits to Ram and Lakshman and took them around the ashram. Ram compared the sweetness of the fruits to Sabari's tender devotion. Later she begged Lord Ram to grant her moksha, which he allows. Sabari got the supreme blessing of leaving her body in the immediate presence of her beloved Lord Ram.
Sabari Peetham on the way to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is sacred to Sabari.
