50. iniyadhu enRu vaiththEnO sabariyaip pOlE

In the ashrama of Mathanga rishi lived a woman called Sabari, who belonged to the hunter tribe. She served the rishi and his disciples and became the target of their grace. When they attained siddhi and left for the higher worlds, she wanted to go with them. However, Mathanga rishi told her "Sri Rama and Lakshmana will be coming to this area in the future. You should serve and worship them and by their grace you can reach us". Obeying her acharya's words, Sabari stayed back looking forward to the arrival of Rama and Lakshmana.

Due to the greatness of Mathanga rishi, in the forest near his ashrama, plucked flowers would not wilt; plucked fruits would not age or lose their good taste. Sabari collected the fruits, tested them herself for sweetness, and kept them for Rama.

After the abudction of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana went in search of Her. On the way, they met and killed a rakshasa called Kabandha (see Varththai 17). Before he died, Kabandha told them to meet and gain the friendship of Sugreeva. He also told them to see Sabari at the ashrama of Mathanga muni.

So, Rama and Lakshmana came to the ashrama of Mathanga and met Sabari there. She prayed to them and offered them the fruits that she had gathered and kept for them. Due to her pure devotion, Rama accepted her service. In turn, she lost her sins and attained the fruits of her acharya bhakti.

Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I offer sweet fruits to the Lord like Sabari did?"