Dark as thick clouds and filled with herds Of wandering deer, and joyous birds. In this pure spot each reverend sire With offerings fed the holy fire. See here the western altar stands Where daily with their trembling hands The aged saints, so long obeyed By me, their gifts of blossoms laid.

In plain words: Shabari describes the dark, thick forest full of deer and happy birds. She shows them the altar where her old teachers, with shaking hands, offered flowers every day while she served them.