 History of Sudama Temple dates back in the Treta Yuga, when Lord Krishna was the king of Dwaraka, now submerged in the Arabian Sea.
This age old temple in Gujarat is the proof of the divine friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. It is located in the heart of the city and quite well known among the locals. Friendship of Sudama and Krishna Sudama and Lord Krishna were childhood friends. They had studied together in Sandipa Muni's ashram. Many years have passed since then. Lord Krishna became the king of Dwaraka, Sudama came here to see his good old friend. Overview of Sudama Sudama is a Brahmin living in abject poverty. He lives with his wife, Sushila, and four kids in a small hut. Like a true Brahmin, he spends his time chanting the holy names of the Supreme Lord. He begs for alms to feed his family. His entire village is affected by drought. For that he went to Lord Krishna for food to him and his villagers. Meeting of Sudama with Lord Krishna When his village was in drought and the villagers had no food to give him. Everywhere, the death loomed. Sudama has no money to buy good clothes for his wife and children he leads a contented life since he was not interested in materialistic pleasures. In spite of not being able to afford two meals a day for himself and his family, he was a very happy man. He was a strong believer in destiny and believes that what he has is what he deserves, based on the actions of his previous birth. His wife told him to seek help from Lord Krishna. But he said that Lord Krishna was his friend and he was not able to seek help from him. This was against the rules of friendship. After a dwindling situation, he was convinced to go to Lord Krishna and he set on feet to Dwaraka, Gujarat. Reunion of Sudama and Krishna  Lord Krishna is greatly pleased to see his old friend. He treats him royally and with much love. Overwhelmed by all this Sudama forgets to ask what he actually came for. But the Lord realises what His friend needs, and the Lord's consort Rukmini, incarnation of Lakshmi, gifts him with his desires. On his return journey, Sudama ponders his circumstances and is thankful for the great friend he has as Lord Krishna. When Sudama finally returns to his home, he finds a palatial mansion instead of the hut he had left. He also finds his family dressed in extremely nice garb and waiting for him. He lives an austere life after that, always thankful to the Lord.
Mentioning of Sudama Story The story of Sudama is not mentioned anywhere in the very ancient scriptures Mahabharata, Harivamsa or Vishnu Purana. The story of Sudama is very popular in Bhagavata. Popularity of the Story Krishna-Sudama is an immortal example of real, non-materialistic friendship. It is a perpetual symbolic definition of real friendship. For this the temple was erected during the time of British rule in India, and later was renovated by the Government of Gujarat. It was erected by Shri Ram Devji Jethwa of Jethwa Dynasty. Related Articles Sudama Temple Cave Architecture of Mauryan Empire Khandas of Vishnu Purana Vishnu Purana Characters of Vishnu Purana Worship of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu Purana Mahabharata Lord Krishna Krishna Temples in India |
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