Bhakta Sudama

Sudama was a good brahman, he did not aspire to more than the learning, the teaching and the begging he was supposed to do. His wife and children suffered a life of penury therefore.

That day, there was nothing to eat in the house, finally moved by his wife's entreaties on behalf of the children, Sudama went to Dwarka, to seek out his childhood friend Krishna. But how could he go empty handed? And so, he took the last remaining bits of poha- puffed rice- in the house. He knew Krishna loved poha as a child.

Sudama was struck by the gradeur of Dwarka. He went to Krishna's palace and waited..Krishna rushed out to see him, and Sudama saw the same eyes that he remembered, reflecting an aged Sudama. But Krishna had also seen the softness that had always been there in His friend's eyes, and also seen himself reflected, oddly dressed, like a made up king. They simplified the moment for each other, they were happy for each other's company again. And then Krishna saw the little pouch that Sudama's fingers were clutching and pushing into the dusty shoulder cloth he was wearing. Krishna pulled at the hand and exclaimed "Bhabhi has sent poha for me!!" His excitement and his pleasure in eating the poha made Sudama delighted in picking up the correct gift for his friend.

Rukmini had to finally stop Krishna, 'won't you leave a small mouthful for me?' Krishna washed his friend's tired feet, and some say, drank that water.

Sudama left, his heart full and happy, having asked for nothing. His heart sank as he came closer home, he remembered his children and his wife.. with a heavier gait, he walked towards the lane that turned to his house. And saw.. transformed, a palace instead. Rukmini, who was an incarnation of Laxmi..had known what the family needed, she had provided, and handsomely, for them. Sudama's children came rushing out to meet him, their eyes shining with awe at the clothes they themselves were wearing.

Sudama continued to live a simple life, his wife and children lived in much greater comfort.