Sudama

Legend

According to one version of his story, Sudama and Tulasi originally lived in Goloka, Krishna’s divine realm, but were cursed by Radha to be born on Earth. Sudama was born into a poor Brahmin family. He studied under the teacher Sandipani, who also taught Krishna. Though Sudama grew up in poverty and Krishna belonged to the royal Yaduvamsha lineage, the two received the same education.

In a well-known tale, their guru’s wife sent Sudama with food for both of them while they were sent to the forest to gather firewood for a ritual fire. After collecting wood, they grew tired and rested beneath a tree. Krishna said he wanted water, but Sudama replied that one should not drink on an empty stomach, hiding that he had food. Krishna, exhausted, fell asleep on Sudama’s lap.

Once Krishna was asleep, Sudama began eating. Krishna, being all-knowing, noticed and said he heard someone eating. Sudama lied, claiming the sound was his teeth chattering from cold and that he could not even recite the Vishnu Sahasranama clearly. Krishna said he believed him and added that he knew Sudama would never eat alone without sharing, but he had only asked because he heard a noise.

Their friendship remained strong despite this. As adults, Krishna became the lord of Dvaraka, famous for his great deeds, while Sudama stayed a poor villager.