Why is the friendship story of Krishna and Sudama famous?

Friendship—why is this relationship beyond blood relations? Why is friendship the purest form of relationship in comparison to other ties? Let’s find out why Vedic Story mentions the selfless friendship Story Krishna and Sudama.

Who is Sudama, a Brahmin friend of Krishna?

Sudama is the closest friend of Krishna. He is Krishna’s childhood friend who was born on Mother Earth to participate in the Leelas of Madhav. The true friendship Krishna and Sudama is relevant even in the Kaliyuga. 

Friendship between the rich and poor is only possible without discrimination. However, in Kaliyuga, this relationship is balanced for material gains. 

We should learn that friendship goes beyond material gains, blood, and earthly relations.

Why are the friendship of Krishna and Sudama stories exceptional on Earth?

Sudama is a pale, poor boy who is the son of Brahmin parents. On the other hand, our beloved Krishna is the son of Nandlal, the head of Vrindavan. 

Story Krishna and Sudama were inseparable, with two bodies and one soul. 

After their studies at Gurukul with Guru Sandipani, they had to separate, and the uninviting events fueled Krishna to move with Balarama. 

Krishna Sudama did not lose hope of meeting each other again.

Krishna remembered Sudama, and Sudama kept Krishna in his heart until they met.

Sudama—Poor Brahmin Grew Poor

Sudama grew up as a Brahman and chose to follow the path of religion. He began to teach the way of Dharma and the real meaning of life. 

With time, he married a woman and began to live the life of a household, fulfilling his duties as Brahmin. 

On the other hand, Krishna grew up as a handsome man and became the King of Dwarka. 

Sudama—Selfless Brahmin and Family Suffered Extreme Poverty 

One day, Vasundhara, the wife of Sudama, had no money or food to feed their children. Vasundhara asked Sudama if he could ask for help from his childhood friend, Krishna. 

Sudama denied. 

Vasundhara requested that her husband satisfy Krishna with his devotion, as they too knew that Krishna was divine and sought some help.

Sudama did not want to present himself as a helpless and selfish person in front of Krishna, his childhood friend and classmate. 

He was a selfless Brahmin, following the path of Dharma, or spirituality. Sudama was a pure soul without any tarnish on his character. 

However, when Vasundhara said to satisfy Krishna as a friend, he agreed.

Vasundhara tied some beaten rice to a piece as a gift.

Sudama—Friend of Krishna, the King of Dwarka: Why is the Fact Unacceptable for Society?

Hesitatingly, Sudama left his house to meet his friend Krishna in Dwarka. 

Sudama thinks of returning home throughout the way to the palace, as there is no match between him and Krishna. 

Sudama was murmuring, ‘I am just a poor Brahmin. Will society accept it? Will a friendship between the poor and rich be possible? Has my friendship with Krishna tarnished his reputation as a king? I should go back. 

He had such thoughts and found the courage to return to the front of the palace gate. 

Fortunately, he remembered Vasundhara and their children and gave it a try. 

The Gatekeeper Insulted Sudama

Sudama, a friend of Krishna, gathered some courage and began to walk straight into the palace. However, seeing a poor Brahmin in ripped clothes and smeared in dust and sweat, the doorkeeper of the Dwarka Palace stopped him.

‘Hey, who are you? Do you even know where you are going? It is the palace of Dwarkadhish. What is your purpose? The gatekeeper shouted. 

‘I am a childhood friend of Dwarkadhish. I came to meet him. Sudama politely responded.

‘You, a poor Brahmin with ripped clothes, a friend of the King’? The gatekeepers taunted and laughed at Sudama’s misery. 

They insulted him again until Sudama felt ashamed of his poverty and social status. 

He felt it would be good to return to his village; otherwise, his friend’s name would be tarnished.

While returning, Sudama remembered the last dialogue between him and Krishna.

‘I am a poor Brahmin, Krishna. You belong to the royal family. How can we be friends? Friends help in need, but I have nothing to offer you as a friend. Sudama said this to Krishna in distress.

Krishna, on the other hand, was not listening to Sudama and kept repeating, ‘Just promise me that we will be friends forever regardless of anything. Sudama, I will never ask anything from you as a friend that you cannot give. Just be a friend with me. Krishna cried for Sudama’s friendship.

Hearing such a plea from Krishna, Sudama accepted his friendship.

Krishna, A Friend of Sudama, Ran to Stop His Childhood Friend

Gatekeepers witnessed Sudama going and felt it was not good; they did. They decided to inform Krishna about it. 

Krishna ran so fast, leaving everything behind to stop his childhood friend, Sudama.

Ashtabharyas, the wives of Krishna, gatekeepers, and people of Dwarka saw Krishna running barefoot to stop his friend and felt pain and cried seeing their King like this.

The citizens of Dwarka were shocked, thinking the Brahmin was not lying. 

This, therefore, established a new foundation of friendship on the planet. 

Krishna Gave Sudama the Royal Treatment 

Krishna hugged Sudama, seeing him after years, so tight that Sudama could not go away. 

He welcomed Sudama wholeheartedly and showed his love. Krishna washed Sudama’s feet in delight and sprayed flowers on him.

Krishna asked the helpers to bring new and soft clothes for Sudama so she felt relaxed.

Sudama was filled with happiness and began crying upon seeing such unexpected royal treatment by Krishna. 

Both the friends ate food. They talked about their old days happily. 

A Gift for Krishna from Sudama

Krishna wanted Sudama to rest. He was about to leave the room when he saw a gift. 

Is this a gift for me, dear friend? Why are you hiding it? Did my sister-in-law send it to me? Show me, please. 

Krishna saw that Sudama was not giving him his gift after requesting it. He thought to snatch it from him. 

Seeing the gift, Krishna was so happy and immediately began to eat the beaten rice Vasundhara made. He also shared the rice with Rukmini, the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. 

Seeing Krishna happy, Sudama decided to return to his home. 

A Divine Gift for Sudama 

Sudama informed Krishna that it was time to return to his home. Krishna agreed and didn’t protest.

Krishna forgot to ask Sudama the reason behind his visit. 

Krishna gently asked Sudama about it. Krishna and Sudama was so happy and stress-free. 

‘I came to satisfy you, dear Krishna, and meet you as a friend’. He said that and left for his home. Sum Up: We at Vedic Story wish you a happy Friendship Day. May you and I remain friends like Krishna Sudama, strengthen each other, and be transcendent toward spiritual wisdom and divine happiness.