Most of us have heard about and read the Krishna – Sudama story.
I remember reading Narottamdas’s poem Sudama Charita in school. It was written around 1604.
कृस्न मित्र कै जन्म को, ताको बरनन कीन्ह ।
सुख सम्पति माया मिलै, सो उपदेस जु दीन्ह ||
However, I didn’t know that Sudama was born in Porbandar. I had gone there only to see Mahatma Gandhi ‘s birthplace. I found another great son of Porbandar there!
Sudama and Lord Krishna met as children in Rishi Sandipni Ashram’s in Ujjaini.
When Lord Krishna came to Dwarka as a king, Sudama who was living in pecuniary conditions was asked by his wife to seek help from his friend.
He has no gift for his royal friend except some beaten rice which he takes tied in a cloth as a present. He remembers that beaten rice is Krishna’s favorite and decided to give this as a gift.
Krishna welcomes Sudama, Bhagavata Purana, 17th-century manuscript. ( Wikipedia)
He went to Dwarka and as soon as his childhood friend heard of his arrival he came running and hugged him and washed his feet and offered him his seat.
Though Sudama stayed on as Lord Krishna ‘s guest for a few days he couldn’t bring shelf to ask for any help. To his surprise when he came home he saw his wife in mansion which Lord Krishna had gifted to them.
Sudama returns home to find in place of it, a golden palace, the gift of Krishna, ca 1775-1790 painting.( Source Wikimedia)
A beautiful Sudama Temple was built by H.H. Bhavsinghji Madhavsinghji The Ranasahib of Porbandar on the site of a 12th century temple in 1902-8. It is the only Sudama Temple in India.
When funds ran out some drama companies of Saurashtra performed plays to collect funds.
It’s a simple but very elegant pillar Ed temple with a shikhar
The main shrine has an image of Sudama in the middle and Krishna on the side.
It’s made of white marbles and is a revered destination, especially for newly married royal couples.
I found it a very serene and peaceful place
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