Miscellaneous - Religion   

Bounteous grace

CHENNAI: The Supreme Being declared in the Bhagavad Gita, "Whoever, being devoted to Me solely, engage themselves always in contemplation and worship of Me— to such ever steadfast devotees I ensure the procurement of all their wants and the preservation of their assets." To laypeople faith in the Lord's assurance becomes stronger when it is demonstrated in the life of His devotees. Sudama's life is an archetype of a rags-to-riches story due to God's grace.

In her discourse, Srimathi Prema Pandurang said Sudama was not only an exemplary devotee but also Lord Krishna's dear friend from the time they studied together under Sandipani. Sudama though he became a householder remained content with whatever he got, and thus was impoverished. His wife was equally devoted and one day she asked him to visit his friend Krishna in Dwaraka, who being the husband of Lakshmi would bestow prosperity on them.

Her repeated entreaties made him decide to visit Dwaraka. Excited at the very prospect of seeing Krishna after so many years Sudama asked his wife what he could take as present for Him. The poor lady begged and secured some handfuls of parched rice and tied the grains up in a piece of rag and Sudama set off to Dwarka. Reaching Krishna's palace when he wondered how he would be allowed in, the Lord seated inside with Rukmini sighted him and came running towards His bosom friend and joyously hugged him to Himself with tears rolling down His cheeks.

He then offered ceremonial worship offered to an honoured guest and those who witnessed this wondered what meritorious act he must have done that the Lord should honour him like this. Seated together they recalled the memorable incidents of their boyhood and finally Krishna asked what he had brought for Him.

With liberty He snatched the beaten rice tied in a rag and ate a handful with great relish and took another handful when Rukmini (Lakshmi incarnate) stopped Him. Sudama returned home without seeking anything but the Lord had transformed his destiny by bequeathing immense riches on him.

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