Sudama also known as Kuchela was a childhood friend of Hindu deity Krishna. Socially Sudama was a poor Brahmin while Krishna was a royal prince. They attended the same gurukula (school) as boys and went their ways in life. Krishna became the king of Dwaraka while Sudama remained a poor Brahmin who married and had 27 children. They were in such great poverty with hardly any food to feed the children. One day Sudama’s wife suggested that he seek the help of Krishna, his true friend. At first he was reluctant because he feared that Krishna might not see him because he was poor and secondly, he did not have anything to offer as a gift.
Sudama was, of course, excited. But, he was excited not so much by the prospect of coming by a plenitude of fortune as by that of having a sight of the Lord to his heart's fill. He considers the unexpected opportunity to meet Krishna as a veritable windfall. Before he sets out for Dwaraka to meet Krishna, he takes care to carry with him, tucked in a corner of his upper cloth, a few handfuls of puffed rice procured by his wife by begging from her neighbors. Even as he wends his way towards Dwaraka, his mind was dominated by thoughts about Krishna.
When Sri Krishna heard that his childhood friend came to visit him, he jumped with joy. He ran to the gates to receive Sudama personally. Everybody there got surprised to see Sri Krishna’s joy had no bounds. He invited Sudama into his palace with love. He showed him the palace and its opulence.
He requested Sudama to sit on the throne. Sri Krishna washed Sudama’s feet and sprinkled the water on his head as well as on his wives’. Sri Krishna worshipped Sudama with flowers and then introduced him to his wife.
When this was going on, Sudama was feeling bad and did not utter a single word. When Sri Krishna was giving him that much importance, he could not handle. Then, he realized what he brought for Krishna, and decided not to give. But Sri Krishna was thinking that he must have brought something for him for old time’s sake. So, Krishna started searching him out of compassion, and found the packet. He opened the cloth packet and with great surprise, said, “Sudama! This is great. You brought cooked rice flakes for me? You still remember how much I liked to eat these. I asked my wives to prepare this many times, but they never made it for me. All these years, I am missing this. Sudama! You are great”. Then Sri Krishna took a handful of rice flakes and put it in his mouth. These rice flakes were stale and giving bad smell. Even then, Sri Krishna did not care. He also took another handful and ate it.
Sri Krishna is the supreme Lord who has the entire universe as his body. So, he does not feel any smells whether they are good or bad. Sri Krishna was ready to eat the third handful, and then Rukmini Devi caught his hand. She whispered in his ear, “Dear! You ate one handful. You gave Sudama so much wealth that is more than sufficient in this life. You ate another handful, and gave him the eternal bliss (moksha) after this life. So, there is nothing else to give. But if you eat the third handful, you and all your subjects would become permanent servants to him. Please stop.” Sri Krishna stopped eating. He took care of his friend that day. Next day, he gave a very warm send off to Sudama.
Slowly, Sudama started walking back to his town. Until he came out of the palace,he could not think what was going on. After long time when they met, Sri Krishna showed his wealth and his status to Sudama. But Krishna never asked how Sudama was doing, whether he needed any help, or what the purpose of the visit was. Sudama came to ask for monetary help, but he did not have chance to ask. With this kind of thinking, he was walking back. Kuchela also thought that if he got wealthy, he might forget God. Krishna might know that better than him. That was the reason, Krishna did not offer anything. Probably, whatever that God decide is always good for us. Sudama was thinking that Krishna did him a favor by not making him rich. Whatever He gives, and whichever way He gives, is always good for me. With this kind of positive thinking, he continued to travel. This was the first realization.
After traveling for nearly three months, he reached his town. Nearly after six months, he returned to his home. He came to the street where he had his house. The street used to be very poor and his house was a hut. But now, the entire street is full of palaces and beautiful houses everywhere. He could not understand what was going on. He thought that he came to a wrong street. But he knew that this was the correct street and correct house. He thought that this place was occupied by some other king. He started worrying about his wife and children. When he was in this dilemma, the doors of that big building opened. One lady wearing beautiful clothes and ornaments came out with her maids. She came to Sudama and invited him into the building. “Can’t you recognize me? Why are you looking at me like that? I am your wife.” said the lady. Then, Sudama looked at her more closely and surprised. She took him inside, washed his feet and offered him food and drink. Sudama asked what happened. She did not know. But, one day they slept in the hut, but when they got up in the morning, they were in the palace with all the servants. She mentioned, “Two people came and offered all this as gift from God. When I looked at them, they looked like your friends. But I was not in a position to say a word.” Sudama thought for the little satisfaction that he gave to Him; in return Krishna personally carried all this wealth and gave to us.
He did not say that he would just give, but He would carry it for you and protect it also. The little friendship that Krishna and Sudama had, Sudama might have forgotten, but Krishna never forgot, though he was living in opulence. Krishna is an excellent example how not to forget friendship though living in great wealth.
A friend always desires the best for the other even at the expense of his own comfort. This is the beauty of friendship.
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