Kanhaland

Krishna storybook · Chapter 8:Sudama, the poor friend

School friends

At school, Krishna made a dear friend, a gentle brahmana boy named Sudama.

They studied, played and collected firewood for their teacher together.

Tell me more

Their teacher was Sandipani Muni. Once, while they were collecting firewood, a terrible storm came. Krishna and Sudama were lost in the dark forest all night, holding hands in the wind and rain. In the morning their teacher found them and blessed them, happy to see how much they cared for each other.

A poor home

Years later, Sudama was very poor, but always peaceful, chanting and thinking of Krishna.

His wife said, “Your friend Krishna is king of Dwarka now. Go and visit Him!”

Tell me more

His clothes were torn, and often there was nothing to eat. Sudama didn’t want to ask Krishna for money. But he did want to see his old friend again, so he agreed to go, just for the joy of seeing Krishna.

A gift of flat rice

“I can’t go empty-handed,” said Sudama.

His wife borrowed four handfuls of flat rice, tied them in an old cloth, and Sudama set off for Dwarka.

Tell me more

Flat rice is called chida.

The golden city

Dwarka was a city of golden palaces and jewelled gates, right beside the sea.

Sudama, in his torn cloth, felt very small. Would Krishna even remember him?

Krishna runs to meet him

As soon as Krishna saw Sudama, He ran to him and hugged him tight, with tears in His eyes!

He sat Sudama on His own bed and washed his feet.

Tell me more

Queen Rukmini fanned him, and everyone in the palace wondered who this lucky person could be. Krishna and Sudama talked for a long time about their school days, laughing about the night of the storm. Krishna said that pleasing one’s teacher is the real way to succeed in life.

The hidden gift

Sudama was too shy to give his little bundle. “What did you bring for Me, My friend?” Krishna smiled.

He ate a handful of rice with great joy. “This pleases Me more than anything!”

Tell me more

In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says that if someone offers Him even a leaf, a flower, a fruit or a little water with love, He accepts it. When He reached for a second handful, Queen Rukmini gently stopped Him, because that one handful had already given Sudama every blessing.

Sudama’s gift

Help Sudama offer his little bundle of flat rice.

Then walk him home. What will he find there?

A surprise at home

Sudama walked home happily, thinking only of Krishna’s love. He had forgotten to ask for anything!

But where his hut had stood, there was now a shining palace!

Tell me more

His wife came out to meet him, dressed like a queen. Krishna had given Sudama everything without even being asked. Sudama stayed simple and humble, and used all his new wealth in Krishna’s service. He understood that the real treasure was Krishna’s friendship.

What we learn

  • A handful of rice, offered with love, pleased Krishna most.
  • Krishna never forgets His friends, rich or poor.
  • The purest love wants nothing back.

Did you like this story? Say “Hare Krishna!” out loud.

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Retold from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10, chapters 80–81. Placeholder pictures only.

All chapters of the Krishna storybook