Sudama and Krishna

Sudama was a poor Brahmin who had been Krishna's dear friend and classmate in childhood. As adults, Krishna became the king of Dwarka while Sudama lived in poverty. His children often went hungry. Sudama's wife urged him to visit his friend Krishna, hoping he might help. Sudama tied a small bundle of flattened rice as a humble gift and traveled to Dwarka. When Krishna spotted Sudama, he ran to him and embraced him warmly. Krishna personally washed Sudama's dusty feet and seated him on his own throne. Sudama felt embarrassed about his meager gift, but Krishna snatched the bundle himself, ate the rice joyfully, and declared nothing had ever tasted better. Sudama could not bring himself to ask Krishna for anything and returned home empty-handed. But when he reached his village, he found a magnificent palace standing where his tiny hut had been. His family was dressed in fine clothes, and the house was filled with food and wealth. Without being asked, Krishna had silently removed all of his dear friend's poverty.