Krishna and Sudama: A Story of Friendship and Divine Generosity

The Rich King and the Poor Brahmin: A Tale of Childhood Friends

Sudama was Lord Krishna's classmate; they received instruction from the same teacher. After their education, Krishna eventually became the king of Dwarka, whereas Sudama remained a poor Brahmin. Sudama was married to Susheela.

Susheela's Request: A Plea to Seek Krishna's Aid

One day, Susheela told Sudama, "I've heard a lot about your friend Krishna. He's a great king and helps everyone around him. Please meet him and ask him to help us financially."

Sudama's Journey: A Humble Gift for the King of Dwarka

Sudama agreed, but how could he meet his friend empty-handed? So he packed some pounded rice in a bundle and set out for Krishna's city, Dwarka. Outside the palace, Krishna was resting, and his wife Rukmini was fanning him. 

On seeing Sudama coming, Krishna greeted him and said, "Friend, where have you been all these days?"

A Night of Reminiscence: Krishna Welcomes Sudama

Krishna took Sudama into the palace and washed his feet with water from the river Ganga. He introduced Sudama to his wife, Rukmini, and then inquired about the state of his family. Krishna and Sudama spent the entire night talking about the ashram days, old memories, etc.

Suddenly, Krishna asked, "Sudama, what have you brought for me?"

The Humble Gift, Divine Reward: Krishna's Feast and Rukmini's Blessing

Sudama started to hesitate and tried to hide his bundle of pounded rice. But Krishna spotted it, opened it, and ate some rice. "How sweet it is!" exclaimed Krishna, eating a second handful. When Krishna took the third handful, Rukmini, the avatar of the Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), whispered to him, "That's enough, dear. I have given him more wealth than he can imagine."

A Humble Farewell: Sudama Departs Empty-Handed

The following day, Sudama bid farewell to Krishna and Rukmini. Krishna said, "Sudama, please don't forget me; come again. May God keep you safe." Krishna did not give Sudama a gift, nor did the latter ask for one.

Sudama's Transformation: From Humble Abode to Grand Palace

When Sudama reached home, he saw that everything had changed. In place of his house was a grand palace with a beautiful line of trees. At the palace door was his wife Susheela, adorned with beautiful clothes and jewelry. Krishna had given Sudama more wealth than he could ever dream.