Hindu Mythology occupies a significant place in the religions of the world. One story occupying great significance is of Sudama and Krishna. The story occupies a place in the Bhagwad Purana in the ancient Hindu scriptures. Sudama holds an important place in the books. He is believed to be a close friend and devotee of Lord Krishna.
Legend behind Sudama:
Sudama was Lord Krishna’s friend and devotee. He belonged to a poor Brahmin family. As they grew up, Krishna got married to Rukmini and became the king of Dwarka. On the other hand, Sudama married a simple Brahmin girl and led a simple life leaving the worldly pleasures and by worshipping lord. He had two children, but due to his austere living, he remained a poor man. Tired and anguished by the poor living conditions, one-day Sudama’s wife asked him to seek help from Lord Krishna. Sudama being an honest and self-made man felt ashamed to go ahead and ask his friend for help. After being insisted by his wife, Sudama decided to go ahead to meet Krishna. However, he said, “Meeting my old friend after years empty handed wouldn’t feel nice”. Sudhama decided to carry along a handful of puffed rice for Lord Krishna.
Sudama's wife advising him to seek Krishna's help
As soon as Sudama reached the palace, Krishna received him with warmth and respect. Krishna made Sudama sit on his throne and washed his tired feet with sandalwood and warm water to relax him.
Krishna welcomes Sudama
They recalled the time spent at the Sandipani School in childhood. Seeing the splendour, Sudama felt awed. Krishna hospitality and love made him feel happy. However, seeing the grandeur, he felt embarrassed to take out the gift. Krishna immediately understood how Sudama was feeling and took the gift from him.
Remembering their childhood
Seeing a small bag in Sudama’s hand, Krishna asked him that what he was carrying. Sudama feeling resentful moved forward the bag, which contained a handful of puffed rice. Krishna went forward and consumed a part of the puffed rice saying that was the best thing he had ever.
Krishna thanked him for the gift and requested Sudama to have a meal with him. As both of them sat to have their meal, which was served in exquisite gold plates. Sudama felt sad as he remembered his hungry children at home. He stayed at the palace for two days but could not ask Krishna for any personal favours. On the third day, he was ready to leave back for home. While leaving Krishna embraced Sudama and asked him to visit again.
Touched by his love and hospitality, Sudama thanked him. While going back to his family Sudama wondered “What shall I say when my wife asks me what I've brought back?"
As Sudama reached back home, he was troubled seeing that there was no hut. Instead of his old hut, he saw a magnificent palace being built at the same place. As he walked towards the palace, he saw his wife coming out elegantly dressed in beautiful clothes.
Krishna's gift to his dear friend
She told Suhama that Krishna’s might had helped them to get rid of the poverty and miseries. Thinking about Krishna’s love and concern, Sudama heart filled with gratitude and tears of joy rolled down his eyes.
Thus, it is said that friendship doesn’t believe in rich and poor, it only seeks love and respect.
Krishna and Sudama
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