When the great sages had addressed her with reverence, Shabari, ever devoted and wise, spoke humbly to Rama, “O best of men, I have gathered various forest offerings for you, O tiger among men, born on the banks of Pampā.” Thus, with a heart full of faith, Shabari, the righteous soul, responded to the mighty Raghava. Rama, ever curious and seeking truth, questioned Shabari, who had long lived apart from society but possessed deep knowledge. He asked her about the true power of those great souls, the illustrious sages descended from the lineage of Danu, for he wished to understand their greatness not just by hearsay but through direct experience. “I have heard of their marvels,” said Rama, “but I wish to see them myself, if you permit.” Hearing these words, Shabari gladly led Rama and Lakshmana through the sacred forest. “Behold,” she said, “this forest is dense as a rain cloud, teeming with countless beasts and birds. This is the renowned forest of Mataṅga, O delight of the Raghus. Here, my noble-minded teachers of great splendor performed their sacrifices, building a sacred altar and worshipping with holy mantras.” She guided them further, saying, “This is the altar facing east, where my revered teachers, hands trembling from their austere exertions, offered flowers in devotion. By the power of their penance, O best of the Raghus, the altar still shines with incomparable brilliance, illuminating all directions.” Shabari pointed to another marvel. “When my teachers, exhausted by fasting and weariness, could not go further, they summoned the seven seas with their minds alone. The seas gathered here—behold them. After their ritual baths, they hung their bark garments on these very trees; even now, O Raghava, those garments remain undried, untouched by time. The flowers they offered, along with blue lotuses, do not wither, though these acts were performed long ago for the sake of the gods.” She concluded, “You have now seen this entire forest and heard its sacred story. With your permission, I wish to relinquish this body and join those noble-minded sages, whose hermitage I once served as a humble attendant.” Hearing her pure and righteous words, Rama and Lakshmana were filled with incomparable joy. “How wonderful!” exclaimed Rama. Then, turning to Shabari, steadfast in her vows, he said, “You have honored me, good lady. Go now where your heart desires, as you please.” Receiving Rama’s blessing, Shabari, her hair matted and her body clad in bark and black antelope skin, offered herself into the sacrificial fire. She shone like blazing fire, and in that instant, ascended to heaven, adorned with divine ornaments, anointed with heavenly unguents, and garlanded with celestial flowers. She appeared in the heavens, radiant in celestial garments, beautiful and luminous as a flash of lightning. By the power of her concentration and devotion, Shabari reached that sacred place where her virtuous teachers and the great sages dwell. After Shabari’s ascension, Rama and Lakshmana stood in awe. Reflecting on the greatness of those noble souls, Rama spoke to his steadfast brother Lakshmana: “O gentle one, I have seen the wondrous hermitage of those self-controlled sages, where tigers and deer dwell together in trust, and many kinds of birds make their home. At the sacred fords of the seven seas, we have performed our ablutions and offered oblations to our ancestors. The inauspicious has been dispelled from us, and good fortune has come. My heart is gladdened, O Lakshmana.” He continued, “O tiger among men, an auspicious feeling arises in my heart. Come, let us go to the delightful lake of Pampa. Not far from there stands Rishyamuka mountain, where the righteous Sugriva, son of the Sun, dwells. Ever fearful of Vali, he stays there with four other monkeys. I am eager to meet Sugriva, the foremost among monkeys, for the search for Sita depends on him.” As Rama spoke, Lakshmana replied eagerly, “Let us go quickly; my mind urges me onward.” So, departing from the hermitage, Rama, lord among men, set out with Lakshmana. Together, they journeyed and soon reached the Pampa lake, their eyes taking in the beauty of the flower-laden trees all around. The great forest resounded with the cries of koyashtika, arjunaka, shatapatra, and kiraka birds, and many others, filling the air with life. Rama, burning with longing for Sita, beheld the many trees and lakes as they approached the great pool. From afar, they reached the water-bearing lake known as Matanga’s pool, and Rama entered it. The two sons of Raghu, composed and undisturbed, went together, though Rama, son of Dasharatha, was overcome by grief. They entered the lovely lotus-pond, filled with blooming lotuses and surrounded by tilaka, ashoka, punnaga, bakula, and udalaka trees. The pond was dense with beautiful groves, its waters crowded with lotuses, clear as crystal, and spread with smooth sand—truly delightful to behold. Fish and turtles swam in its depths, while the banks were adorned with trees and entwined with creepers, as if encircled by companions. The pond was frequented by Kinnaras, serpents, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Rakshasas, and covered with a variety of trees and vines, making it a reservoir of cool, refreshing water. It shone red with lotuses and fragrant water-lilies, white with clusters of kumuda flowers, and blue with blooming lilies, appearing like a colorful tapestry spread out before them. Thus, Rama and Lakshmana continued their sacred journey, hearts full of longing, hope, and the blessings of the great sages.