The Humble Devotee of the Lord
In a small, worn cottage lived a poor brāhmaṇa named Sudāmā. He was gentle, pure-hearted, learned in the scriptures, and deeply devoted to Lord Kṛṣṇa, whom he had known since childhood.
Sudāmā lived in poverty with his wife, who loved him dearly. Though they were materially destitute, they were rich in faith and spiritual contentment. Yet, as time passed, they often had no food, no clothes, and no fire to warm their home.
One day, Sudāmā’s wife spoke:
“My Lord, you are the dear friend of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who now rules in great opulence in Dvārakā. He is known to bless His devotees. Please, go to Him—not for riches, but so that He may see you, remember you, and perhaps offer us some relief.”
Though reluctant to ask for help, Sudāmā agreed. His wife packed a few handfuls of flat rice—all they had—tied in a torn cloth as a gift.
The Journey to Dvārakā
With nothing but faith and love, Sudāmā walked barefoot to Dvārakā. Upon reaching the gates of the city, he was allowed entry, and the news reached the palace:
“An old brāhmaṇa has come to see You, O Kṛṣṇa. He says his name is Sudāmā.”
The moment Kṛṣṇa heard the name, His heart overflowed with joy.
“Sudāmā has come! My dear friend from Gurukula!”
Kṛṣṇa rushed out, barefoot and unguarded, to embrace him. With arms stretched, tears flowing, Kṛṣṇa ran to meet the brāhmaṇa, and embraced him tightly.
Kṛṣṇa Washes Sudāmā’s Feet
Bringing Sudāmā into His private chambers, Kṛṣṇa seated him on His own throne. Queen Rukmiṇī fanned him with her hands. The Supreme Lord of the universe, worshiped by gods and sages, began to wash the feet of the poor brāhmaṇa and dry them with His own yellow cloth.
The brāhmaṇa was stunned.
“How can this be? He is the Lord of all, and yet He serves me like a servant!”
Kṛṣṇa laughed and chatted like a childhood friend. They reminisced about their time in the āśrama of Guru Sāndīpani Muni, where they had studied the Vedas, fetched firewood, and served the guru with joy.
The Forgotten Gift of Flat Rice
Eventually, Kṛṣṇa asked:
“Did you bring anything for Me, Sudāmā?”
Embarrassed, Sudāmā hesitated to offer the coarse rice tied in his old cloth. But Kṛṣṇa, all-knowing, snatched the bundle with a smile, opened it eagerly, and said:
“Ah! My favorite—flat rice! A gift of love!”
He ate one handful, and as He was about to eat a second, Rukmiṇī stopped Him with folded palms:
“One handful is enough, my Lord. With that, You have already blessed him with everything.”
Sudāmā’s Return—and the Surprise
Sudāmā stayed for a few days but never asked for anything. Kṛṣṇa never mentioned wealth, but his heart was full of divine satisfaction.
When Sudāmā returned to his village, he could not find his hut.
In its place stood a celestial palace—surrounded by gardens, servants, and wealth beyond imagination. His wife, now beautifully dressed, came out joyfully to greet him.
Sudāmā folded his hands and cried:
“O Lord! You gave me everything, though I asked for nothing. This is Your grace alone.”
From then on, he lived as a humble and detached householder, fully absorbed in the remembrance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s mercy.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Kṛṣṇa is the true friend—He never forgets His devotees, no matter how poor or forgotten by society.
- The Lord does not see the value of the gift, but the love in the offering.
- A devotee may ask for nothing, but the Lord knows what they need and gives it at the right time.
- Humility and faith attract divine favor more than pomp or position.
- In loving exchanges between the Lord and His devotee, the Lord becomes the servant, and the devotee is exalted.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapter 90
