Sudama Temple

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.

Sudama Temple was constructed in 1902 and 1907 at the centre of the city. It is one of the historically significant sites in Gujarat. The construction of the temple was hampered to some extend by the depletion of the funds. As the money was less it was raised by collecting donations and organizing dramas to raise the fund. All the rich traders contributed funds which can be used in the construction of the temple. Though the architecture is not too lavish yet it is one of the well built temples of Porbandar which is often visited by thousands of tourists and devotees. Sudama Temple was built with white marble this temple has a number of carved pillars which decorate the temple. Open from all sides this temple has a shikhara which is decorated with splendid architecture and carvings. These carvings of Sudama Temple are also visible above the pillars and the arches which adjoin the pillars. With such architecture this temple is dedicated to the shrine of Sudama whish is built in simple structure. The temple is supposed to include a floor which is so made that if anyone can successfully cross the floor then all his sins shall be excused. This temple was mainly constructed after the ruler of this dynasty was badly injured.

Statue of Shri Ram Devji Jethwa : The statue of Shri Ram Devji Jethwa stands inside Sudama Temple. Shri Ram Devji Jethwa was the ruler of the Jethwa dynasty under whose initiative the temple was constructed.