Sudama, also called Sridhama or Kuchela, was a poor
Brahmin boy who became a close friend of
Lord Krishna while studying under Guru Sandipani at Sandipani’s hermitage. After their studies, Krishna became the king of Dwarka and married princess
Rukmini. Sudama also got married to a Brahmin girl and led a life of a devotee. Due to Sudama's life style, the family began to face severe difficulties with little food to eat and few clothes to wear.
On day Sudama’s wife asked him to go and seek Lord Krishna's help. He went to see Krishna with a small bundle full of Powa, fried puffed rice. When Krishna saw Sudama he ran to embrace him. Krishna saw the small bundle on Sudama's waist, snatched it and opened it. He saw his favorite powa and suddenly started eating it with great satisfaction.
On returning home, Sudama was amazed to see a large grand house in the place of his old hut. His wife and children, with new clothes, came to greet him. Sudama felt the touch of the all-knowing Krishna who had rewarded him for his gift of love. Sudama continued to lead the life of a hermit while his family enjoyed the ample gifts of wealth from Krishna.
