When it comes to the worship of the Almighty, there are no conditions, but only pure devotion. The devotion is not bound to any rules of conduct, but just requires being pure hearted. The devotion maybe love as Mata Sita’s, servitude as Lakshman’s, loyalty as Bharat’s or motherly care like Mata Shabari for Shri Ram. Such love is so strong and pure hearted that the Almighty himself comes to them, just as Shri Ram did for a simple tribal woman Mata Shabari.
It is a subtle fact that worship to Almighty gives us strength to face the joys and sorrows of life in a balancing way, but it should not be aimed at getting any wishes fulfilled, the very reason why Mata Shabari’s devotion was dear to Shri Ram. Mata Shabari’s devotion was pure and untainted. When her Guru Rishi Matang lets her know that it is only after Shri Ram would come visiting her that she could be liberated from the world with true enlightenment, Shabari was not impatient that she was left behind, but instead waited patiently for Shri Ram to arrive at her doorstep. She bought fresh flowers, fruits and kept her simple hut ready for Shri Ram, whenever he arrived. Even when the other rishis in the Ashram doubted whether her wish would be fulfilled, she firmly believes that Shri Ram would definitely come visiting her. The beauty of her worship is this belief which affirms that Almighty listens to all prayers done with belief and trust in him and Shri Ram comes to her.
Mata Shabari’s love is the purest form of devotion which reached the heart of Shri Ram no matter how it was presented. When Shri Ram and Lakshman arrive at her doorstep finally, she does not immediately puts a list of desires to be fulfilled, but gives them care and relaxation. She offers Shri Ram tasted sweet berries to eat. This surprises Lakshman, but Shri Ram knew that it was sheer love of Mata Shabari as a mother that she offers him the juiciest fruits and this made her devotion special, unlike the rich materialistic things which are offered to God with a desire for a wish to be fulfilled, or as a cover up for any sins committed.
The devotion of Mata Shabari is not only confined to serving Shri Ram, but understanding his pain of separation for Mata Sita. Mata Shabari knew her role in guiding Shri Ram towards the elimination of evil forces and played it diligently. She paved foundation for the friendship of Shri Ram and Sugriv which went on to become one of the greatest examples of friendship values for times eternal.
A devotee whatever birth or race or position in the society, do not bother for the rituals and practises just for the sake of worship. Instead the devotee believes in presenting their personality and character to God without any false cover ups. This makes them dear to the Supreme Being, and he enjoys even a tasted berry with all the happiness and joy just as Shri Ram enjoyed the company of Mata Shabari, who affirms that one needs to believe in God out of pure love for him, but not out of fear or desire.