Krishna is the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu and also one of the most popular Gods in Indian Mythology.

When Krishna was a boy, he was sent to study in Guru Sandipani’s Ashram. There, he met a boy named Sudama. Krishna and Sudama soon became best friends and practiced the Vedic Chants together.

After completion of their education, they both parted ways after promising to be friends forever.

Over the years, Krishna became the ruler of Dwaraka and married Rukmini, the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Sudama got married to a devoted lady, Susheela. They were extremely poor but kind and liked by everyone in their village. Susheela never complained to Sudama about the lack of comforts. They lived very happily with what little they had. But things changed when they had children.

“Mother, I am hungry,” said one of her children.

“Mother, I am cold,” said her other child.

This was an everyday occurrence, and soon Susheela began to feel bad about not having money for her children’s basic needs.

One day, she told Sudama, “I have always been happy with what we had and never complained. But our children don’t have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. You are Krishna’s best friend. Not only is he royalty, but his wife is also said to be the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Why don’t you ask him for help?”

At first, Sudama was hesitant. “How can I go to my friend just to ask for money?” he thought. “But Susheela has always supported me and has never asked me for anything. Can’t I do this little thing?”

So, he said to his wife, “Ok. I will do that. But since I am meeting Krishna for the first time after so many years, I cannot go empty-handed.”

Susheela had an idea. “Did you not say Krishna was extremely fond of Poha (Beaten Rice)? I will borrow some from our neighbour, and you can take it.”

Taking the Poha with him, Sudama started off to Dwaraka. When he reached Dwaraka, no one stopped him – Not even the soldiers guarding the palace. He just walked straight in.

“It almost feels like Krishna already knows I am coming,” thought Sudama.

Finally, he found Krishna in a room talking with Rukmini. As soon as Krishna saw Sudama, he was delighted. He hugged him and introduced him to Rukmini.

He then went to wash Sudama’s tired feet, gave him new clothes to wear, and served him a big feast. The soldiers were shocked to see Krishna serving a poor man.

Sudama was very happy on meeting Krishna. He told Krishna about his family and what all happened since they met last.

Krishna, who is always known to be playful, told Sudama with a twinkle in his eye, “You have always been one of my dearest friends. We are meeting after so long, and I cannot believe you did not get me any gift.”

Sudama immediately felt guilty. He thought, “I did bring you a gift, Krishna. But you are so rich, and you have everything you need. How can my little gift compare to such richness?”

But he did not voice his feelings.

However, Krishna knew his friend had brought him something. So, he said, “Sudama, Even the simplest of gifts given to me with love, is infinitely more precious than gold and silk.”

Sudama then gave the poha to him, saying, “My wife remembered how much you love the Poha. So, she asked me to bring this to you.”

“It is still his favourite,” said Rukmini while Krishna began to eat the poha immediately.

When he took a second mouthful, Rukmini stopped him saying, “One mouthful for you is more than enough to fill your stomach.”

The next day Sudama started back home. Krishna hugged him and bade him farewell. Sudama did not ask for anything to Krishna, and Krishna did not give him anything.

On the way back home, Sudama wondered why his friend did not offer him anything despite knowing about his poverty. But he consoled himself, “Perhaps Krishna thought if I get money, I might forget him. I am glad I could spend this time with him. That was more important for me.”

When he reached home, he could not find his hut. Instead, there was a huge palace.

“Oh! Did I lose my way and take a wrong turn? Where did my house go?” thought Sudama. A lady wearing silk happily came with two children towards him. And then he realized with a shock. It was his wife and children. Krishna had rewarded Sudama for his devotion.

Sudama and his wife lived the rest of their life happily, forever talking about the greatness of Krishna.

Author’s Note:

Krishna and Sudama is a beautiful tale of friendship. It has multiple morals on friendship and devotion:

1. Being rich or poor should never affect a friendship.

2. Friendship should be beyond social status. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Good friends will always be there for each other.

3. Anything given with love and affection to God is infinitely precious than expensive things.

4. Real devotion is when you pray without expecting anything in return.