Sudama and Krishna Story – Chapter 4: Meeting the King of Dwarka

Meeting the King of Dwarka

Sudama's wife repeatedly insisted, so Sudama agreed to meet his friend Krishna. In the previous chapter, we saw how Sudama was struggling with poverty, yet he maintained faith in the love of a true friend. Now, carrying a small bundle of Poha (flattened rice) given by his wife, Sudama set off for Dwarka, his mind filled with sweet memories of the days spent in Gurukul years ago.

Arrival in Dwarkapuri

After a long journey, Sudama reached Dwarka. The city of Dwarka was shining with its immense splendor. Sudama was amazed to see the gold-studded palaces, lush green gardens, and jewel-encrusted paths. His torn clothes and dust-covered feet paled in comparison to the prosperity of Dwarka. He hesitated whether he would even be able to meet his friend in this magnificent city. There was a strange feeling in his heart – the love of friendship and the fear of his poverty.

He asked the gatekeeper about Krishna. "Does Dwarkadhish Krishna live here?" Sudama asked humbly. The gatekeeper looked at him, surprised to see a poor Brahmin asking about this palace. "Yes, he lives here. But who are you and why do you want to meet him?" the gatekeeper asked suspiciously. Sudama replied, "I am his childhood friend, Sudama. Please inform him."

Wonderful Welcome by Krishna

As soon as the gatekeeper informed Krishna about Sudama's arrival, Krishna stood up from his throne. "My friend Sudama has come!" Saying this, he ran barefoot. He hugged Sudama, and tears began to flow. Krishna seated Sudama on the throne and began to wash his feet himself. All the queens, including Rukmini, were astonished to see the Lord of Dwarka washing the feet of an ordinary Brahmin. He dressed Sudama in precious clothes and fed him with respect.

Krishna said to Sudama, "Friend, how have you stayed away from me for so long? I missed you very much. How pleasant were the days of Gurukul, weren't they?" Sudama was overwhelmed with emotion seeing Krishna's love. He no longer worried about his poverty. Krishna's affection and respect were more valuable to him than all the wealth of the world. Such was Krishna's grace that even the impoverished Sudama was blessed.

Krishna's Love for Poha

After eating, Krishna asked Sudama, "Friend, have you brought any gifts for me?" Sudama was filled with hesitation. He remembered the bundle of Poha given by his wife. He was afraid how he would present such a trivial gift to a king like Krishna. Hesitantly, he took out the bundle and offered it to Krishna. Krishna lovingly opened the bundle and ate a handful of Poha.

As Krishna reached out to eat another handful of Poha, Rukmini grabbed his hand. She said, "Lord, you have already given all the wealth to Sudama with the first handful of Poha. What will we get if you eat the second handful?" Krishna smiled. He looked at Sudama, whose eyes were filled with tears of gratitude. Sudama understood that Krishna's real gift was not material wealth, but his unwavering love and blessings. Now Sudama was ready to return home, with the hope of a new life.