Story-telling is my new-found entertainment at home! From my Indian background, one of the oldest and most durable stories that have enthralled generations is mythologies! So, recently I happen to tell Lord Krishna and Sudama story to my little one.

A True Friendship – Lord Krishna and Sudama

This is a story that demolishes the barriers of time and status, and shows how a true friendship is a cause of celebration.

Shree Krishna was the most powerful King of his time who ruled a vast kingdom Dwaraka (Now, in modern day North-West of India). Sudama was his childhood friend in Mathura!

In the story, Sudama was going through some bad times. He struggled for his life along with his wife Suseela and sixteen kids! He had become so poor that had no money to feed his own children! His wife reminds him of his friendship with Krishna. And, she urged him to seek Krishna’s help. Sudama was reluctant to seek help from his wealthy friend! His misfortune had pushed him to the extend, that he had no other option! He finally agrees to go!

So, Sudama went from his small village Mathura to Dwarka to meet his friend. His wife had packed him a small gift in a cloth; it was nothing but a fistful of beaten broken rice (more like a rice flakes made with leftover paddy). Which she had begged from her neighbors! Sudama knows that beaten rice is his friend’s favorite snack.

Upon reaching the palace, Krishna received his friend in his court. He welcomed him in a way befitting a king. He also gracefully accepted his gift (the meager gift of beaten-rice) that Sudama had brought long. The friends were overjoyed to meet. As they were chatting about their childhood…Krishna ranted a story…how they both held together in Gurukula (kind of boarding school in the olden days, where students have to go and live with their teachers until they graduate – around 16 years old).

However, for the whole time…Sudama never utters anything about his misfortune or his poverty! But, keeps mum! He was too shy to talk about his current situation!! But, Krishna is portrayed as a God in Indian mythology! He kind of figures it out! And gives him generous gifts of land, livestock like cows and gold coins, so that he could gather himself up and get rid of his penury and lead a respectable life.

Back-Story – Why Sudama Became Poor?!

When Krishna and Sudama were young in Gurukula; once went to the forest to gather brushwood.  As they were chatting with each other, while also enjoying the beauty of their environment. It started getting quite late and dark! They stayed in forest after that long walk! And, Krishna got hungry. Sudama, in the meantime, had some beaten rice with him, which was given to him by Gurumata (Teacher’s wife/ Saandipan’s wife) and she had told him to share the food with Krishna. However, Sudama didn’t offer this food to his friend. Sudama himself a little boy! He made a mistake! Krishna kept telling him how hungry he was and asked his friend if he had anything to eat. Sudama denied taking along anything to eat. A while later Krishna laid down on Sudama’s lap, after which Sudama took the beaten rice and started eating. Even though Krishna’s eyes are closed, he sensed what’s going on and asked Sudama what was he eating. Sudama said, “nothing, it was due to cold you hear my teeth biting”, “what is here to eat, except mud”!! For which Krishna responds ” Tadhastu“ ( meaning – Let it happen that way).

Moral Of The Story This explains why Sudama experienced extreme poverty and he gained wealth only after offering Lord Krishna’s share of beaten rice. The moral of the story is to offer food to people in need, animals, birds, insects ( Seeing God in all creatures) around you before you eat.

Recipe For Sweet Poha 

• 1 cup flattened rice
• 2 Tsp jaggery syrup/brown sugar syrup
• 1 pinch cardamom seeds powder
• 2 Tsp cashew nuts
• 2 Tsp raisins
• 1 cube butter

Roast the cashew nuts and raisins in butter; set aside. Using the same butter toast the rice flakes as well. Now, add cardamom to it. Mix everything together and add the syrup on top to finish. Healthy evening snack ready in minutes. Enjoy.