13 Facts About Sudama

Sudama, known as Kuchela, is a childhood friend of the Hindu deity Krishna.

In one iteration of his legend, Sudama, along with Tulasi, are stated to have once resided in Krishna's own abode, Goloka, before a curse by Radha forced them to be born on earth.

Sudama received his education as a pupil of Sandipani, who was the preceptor of Krishna.

However, upon reaching adulthood, while Krishna became the ruler of Dvaraka, and became reputed for his deeds, Sudama remained a humble and impoverished villager.

The Bhagavata Purana narrates that eventually, Sudama's starving wife implored her husband to visit Krishna and tell him of his impoverishment, stating that as the refuge of his devotees and a patron of Brahmins, he would no doubt shower his old friend with great wealth.

Sudama asked his wife if there was anything he could bring his friend as a gift, and she was able to procure four handfuls of parched and beaten rice for him to take to Dvaraka.

Sudama entered the palace of Krishna, and found the deity seated on a couch with his favourite queen, Rukmini.

Sudama offered his friend a number of refreshments and smeared his body with pastes and perfumes.

Krishna and Sudama conversed about their boyhood days at the ashrama of Sandipani.

Sudama decided that Krishna had been merciful to deny him of wealth.

Sudama returned to find that his humble hut had been transformed into several seven-storied palaces, filled with beautiful gardens and parks.

Sudama exulted in the generosity of the deity, for having smiled upon him during his time of misfortune.

The generosity of Krishna and his friendship with Sudama is associated with the celebration of the festival of Akshaya Tritiya.