"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. All glories to the assembled devotees.
