Lord Sri Krishna and Sudhama both studied at Guru Sandipan’s ashram. Since then they were very best friends. After pursuing education the two friends parted and went in search of their livelihood taking along with them the sweet memories of their friendship. In the long run, Sri Krishna became the Ruler of Dwaraka whereas Sudhama remained as a poor brahmin who was fighting with the life to fulfil his daily needs. But their friendship remained as a sweet memory in their hearts.

               One day, Sudhama’s wife insisted him to meet Sri Krishna with a thought of getting some sort of help from him with which she thought of leading a happy life. Sudhama was left in a dilemma whether to meet his childhood friend or not. He thought that time would have screened off the memories of their friendship from Krishna’s mind.But beaten by poverty, Sudhama opted for the chance to meet sri Krishna. Sudhama’s wife gave a small bag of rice flakes as a present to Sri Krishna. Cursing his plight, Sudhama left to Dwaraka to meet his friend Krishna .

              When he came to Dwaraka, he was left stunned by its beauty and riches. He came to the palace to meet Krishna. But the guards at the doors stopped him from entering into the palace. When he said that he was Krishna’s childhood friend they made fun of him. But when Sri Krishna came to know that Sudhama was standing at his doorsteps, he came running to meet his childhood friend. He along with his family offered Sudhama a royal greet. He washed sudhama’s feet, made him to lie on a couch and start pressing his tired feet. Sudhama was dumbfounded by his friend’s acts.Seeing the luxury life of Krishna, Sudhama hesitated to give the rice flakes which his wife had sent. At that time Krishna noticed the bag which Sudhama was trying to hide in humiliation. He grabbed the bag and when he opened he was very happy to  see the rice flakes which took him back to the sweet memories of their friendship.Then he requested Sudhama to stay at Dwaraka for few days. Sudhama accepted and they spent a good time together. 

            Time came when Sudhama was about to return to his place. Sudhama felt sad as he did not get a chance to explain his poverty and request help from Krishna. With a heavy heart Sudhama returned from Dwaraka thinking of how to face his wife and children. But when he came to his place it was very difficult for him to believe his eyes.A beautiful palace stood in place of his old hut and his wife dressed in rich clothes and elegant jewellery was waiting for Sudhama to return home. Sudhama’s eyes filled with the tears of joy for his friend’s  untold love towards him.

           This tale is an example for the understanding  and true friendship between two friends.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia