2. How did Sudhama feed his family?
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Answer:
Some time later when Sudama was going through extreme poverty, not even having enough money to feed his children, his wife Susheela reminded him of his friendship with Krishna. Sudama didn't want to go and ask for favors from the King Krishna. He thought that is not good use of friendship and lived within his means. One day Krishna visited him (the all-knowing God knew his friend had fallen on hard times). Sudama was so ashamed of his poverty, he didn't invite Krishna into his house. Krishna jokingly asked him to serve a snack as he was a guest (guests are supposed to be treated as gods). Sudama, despite his poverty, went inside and got the last grains of beaten rice (he remembered beaten rice is Krishna's favorite). Krishna ate the snack with relish and left with pleasantries. When Sudama turned back to go into the house, he couldn't believe his house changed to a palatial mansion instead of the hut. He also found his family inside dressed in opulent garb and waiting for him.
Sudama goes to Krishna to ask what happened (again taking gift of beaten rice for his friend). Krishna is greatly pleased to see his old friend. He treats him royally and with much love. Overwhelmed by all this Sudama cries and Krishna says "I love beaten rice you have always offered me" (going by ritual, before food is eaten, it is offered to God). When Sudama leaves Krishna explains to everyone in the palace, "All I have given him is only because of his devotion". Krishna cares about his bhakt so much. On his return journey, Sudama ponders his circumstances and is thankful for the great friend he has as Lord Krishna and lives an austere life after that, always thankful to the Lord. This miracle of faith and friendship of God Krishna and Sudama in Dwarka, is associated with the celebration of the festival of Akshaya Tritiya.[4]
Explanation: