Srila Prabhupada established over 108 ISKCON centers in 10 years, the world over.
13th Aug, 2005 - Sabari Moksham
Synopsis

Shurpanakha, sister of Ravana, sees Rama while He is staying in Panchavati and is attracted to Him. Rama spurs her when she offers Him her love and Lakshmana chastises and disfigures her when she tries to harm Sita in jealousy. Ravana is furious and vows revenge. He arranges for the demon Maricha to assume the form of a golden deer and entice Rama away while Ravana, in the form of an ascetic, approaches Sita and abducts her. The king of eagles, Jatayu, comes to the aid of Sita but is killed in the attempt. On Their search for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana come to the abode of Shabari who had lived as a recluse for an entire lifetime in anticipation of Rama's visit. She is overjoyed and receives Them with love and devotion. Rama blesses her and she enters the fire in His presence, to attain salvation.


Scene I

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana enter the holy precincts of Sage Agastya's ashrama. The beauty of the lake named Panchapsara Sarovar attracts their attention. As They happily look at the lotuses, water birds and elephants which have come to quench their thirst at the lake, They are puzzled when They hear music. The invisible Apsaras of the lake play instruments which create the divine sound. Enraptured by the music, They proceed on Their journey.

Scene II

As They journey on, They meet Jatayu, the eagle. At first They suspect the bird to be a demon in disguise. Rama challenges him and Jatayu introduces himself as the son of Syeni and Aruna, and a as friend of King Dasharatha. Rama and Lakshmana are overjoyed and honour Jatayu as Their father. They are happy to have found a friend in the forest which is frequented by demons. Jatayu offers to protect Sita in Their absence and leads Them to Panchavati.

Scene III

Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana, was a ferocious rakshasi. She could take any form at will. She sees Rama and is captivated by His beauty. She approaches Rama proudly and introduces herself. She asks Rama to accept her love and discard the puny and ugly Sita who is unfit to be His wife. Rama is amused by her request and playfully tells her to accept Lakshmana as her husband. Rejected and scorned by the brother, the enraged Shurpanakha tries to pounce on Sita. By Rama's order, Lakshmana cuts off her nose and ears. Crying out in pain, Shurpanakha swears revenge and leaves.
Scene IV

Ravana, the King of Lanka, is watching dancers perform in his court. Suddenly, disfigured Shurpanakha arrives. She tells Ravana that she tried to capture the beautiful Sita for him and she had been disfigured for her effort. The enraged Ravana vows to avenge this insult to his sister. Ravana disguises himself as an ascetic and leaves the court.

INTERVAL

Scene V

While Sita is stringing flowers in the forest, she suddenly looks up to see the golden deer. Enchanted by its beauty, she entreats Rama to catch it for her. In spite of Lakshmana's warning, Rama agrees and follows the deer, leaving His brother to guard Sita. After a long chase, Rama senses the deer is a demon. He kills it, but before dying, Maricha calls out for Sita and Lakshmana in Rama's voice.
Scene VI

Sita is anguished when she hears Maricha's cry. She implores Lakshmana to rush to Rama's aid. Lakshmana tries to pacify her and refuses at first. But goaded by her cruel words, He finally leaves in search of His brother.
Scene VII

Ravana appears before Sita in the disguise of an ascetic. Sita innocently receives him with due respect and is shocked when he declares himself to be Ravana, King of Lanka. Ravana tells her he is overcome by her beauty and offers to make her his queen. Sita angrily spurns him. Enraged by her words, Ravana assumes his own form and carries her away by force.
Scene VIII

Rama is hurrying back to the ashrama when He meets Lakshmana who looks dejected. He rebukes Lakshmana for leaving Sita and They rush back to the ashrama . Rama is overcome with grief to find His beloved wife missing. In great distress the brothers roam about the forest, searching for Sita.
Scene IX

The noble Jatayu is aroused by Sita's cries for help and challenges Ravana.

In the fierce battle that ensues, Ravana cruelly cuts off the wings and legs of the old bird, and Jatayu falls to the earth mortally wounded. The helpless Sita is carried off to Lanka. Searching the forest, Rama and Lakshmana come upon Their noble friend lying on the ground. Just before he dies, Jatayu tells Rama that he had been maimed by Ravana when he tried to rescue Sita from his clutches and that Ravana had carried Sita away towards the south.
Scene X

Still searching for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana reach the abode of Shabari, a devout woman of lowly birth. He receives Them with great joy and offers Them fruits which she has gathered specially for Them, as Their visit had been predicted by her guru. Rama graciously partakes of her offering. Shabari enters the fire in Rama's presence with His approval and blessing, and is transported to the world of eternal bliss.