Welcoming Rama

“Those great saints, who are knowers of dharma and greatly fortunate, spoke these words to me: ‘Rama will visit your very pious ashrama. Along with Saumitra [Lakshmana], you should offer Rama the greatest hospitality as your guest. Thus after seeing Him, as a benediction, you will ascend to the eternal realm.’” (Shabari speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 74.15-16) “Welcoming Rama” is a collection of nine essays discussing the verses in the Ramayana which describe the time when Rama and Lakshmana visited the female ascetic Shabari in the forest.