Legends of Shabridham: Where Ram Met Shabri
With Diwali approaching, now might be a good time to share one of my travel stories about my journey to Shabridham in Dang district’s Subir hamlet. I visited Saputara with the Gujarat tourism board earlier this September, and during our stay there, we also travelled two and a half hours farther inland to explore Girmal Waterfall and Shabridham in Subir village.
Shabridham is a small but lovely temple built where Hindu god Ram is asserted to have visited Ma Shabri, a devoted disciple, during his wilderness exile.
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Legends of Shabridham
During his search for Sita, he happened to pass by the little town of Subir in Dang district, where he met Shabari, who had been eager to meet him since her spiritual guru persuaded her to worship him. While Ram was king, Shabri belonged to the Bhil tribe, and there existed a contradictory philosophy of religious beliefs at the time.
Regardless, Shabari was delighted to see Ram and offered him fruit collected from the neighbouring Chamak Dungar hill, which today is part of the Ahwa-Navapur road in Gujarat. However, according to folklore, these berries were first tasted by Ma Shabari, who, in order to find the best ones, would nibble them first and only deliver the tastiest ones to the Lord.
Shree Ram gratefully received her berries and was moved by her sincere devotion. This legend is the temple’s foundation, and the three stones where Ram, Laxman, and Shabari sat are still revered. To this day, the lush forests of Dand Karanya and Pampa Sarovar surround this location, which is barely 10 kilometres from Shabari Dham and where Ram would bathe.
Shabridham’s current temple is smeared in off white and various tones of berry pink, and it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding views. The temple grounds have a large open area with plenty of sitting and a relaxing atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The majority of visitors come to this sacred spot to enjoy the peaceful emotions emanating from the nearby woodland, mountains, forest, and Pampa Sarovar. Shabridham also provides room and meals for those who wish to stay longer. Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the temple is open to everyone.
