Krishna and Sudama
Sudama was Krishna's friend and devotee. He belonged to a poor Brahmin
family. Years passed and Krishna became king of Dwarka but Sudama
remained a poor man. Sudama and his wife and children starved without
food.
Tired of their pitiable state, one day his wife advised him go seek his friend
Krishna's help. Sudama who was an extremely honest man felt ashamed to
ask for help. When his wife insisted, Sudama agreed to go, but realised
that going empty-handed to meet a friend after so long would look odd.
So he carried with him a handful of puffed rice as a gift. Krishna
greeted Sudama warmly when he arrived at the palace. Seeing the
splendour of Dwarka, Sudama felt awed. Krishna's hospitality humbled
him, and was now feeling embarrassed to take out his simple gift. Seeing
a small bag in Sudama's hand, Krishna promptly asked him whether his
gift was inside the bag. Sudama unwillingly took it out and said he
could not gift a handful of puffed rice to a king. Krishna immediately
understood Sudama's problem. He happily accepted the gift as if it was
the most precious thing.
When Sudama reached home the next day, he saw a huge mansion instead
of his hut and his family wearing new clothes. He went inside and found
lots of food. At once he knew that god had showered his blessings on
him.
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