Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 7
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa Receives Kṛṣṇa’s Mercy
The Gift of Flat Rice
सर्वभूतात्मदृक् साक्षात् तस्यागमनकारणम् । विज्ञायाचिन्तयन्नायं श्रीकामो माभजत्पुरा ॥ ६ ॥ पत्न्या: पतिव्रतायास्तु सखा प्रियचिकीर्षया । प्राप्तो मामस्य दास्यामि सम्पदोऽमर्त्यदुर्लभा: ॥ ७ ॥
sarva-bhūtātma-dṛk sākṣāt tasyāgamana-kāraṇam vijṅāyācintayan nāyaṁ śrī-kāmo mābhajat purā
Being the direct witness in the hearts of all living beings, Lord Kṛṣṇa fully understood why Sudāmā had come to see Him. Thus He thought, “In the past My friend has never worshiped Me out of a desire for material opulence, but now he comes to Me to satisfy his chaste and devoted wife. I will give him riches that even the immortal demigods cannot obtain.”
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī comments that the Lord momentarily wondered, “How has it come about, despite My omniscience, that this devotee of Mine has fallen into such poverty?” Then, quickly understanding the situation, He spoke to Himself the words related in this verse.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a true devotee does not approach Kṛṣṇa for material gain; Kṛṣṇa recognizes and values devotion that is free from selfish motives.
Because Kṛṣṇa, as the indwelling witness of all beings, immediately understood Sudāmā’s inner intention and reflected that Sudāmā’s devotion was not driven by greed.
Serve and pray with sincerity rather than bargaining for results—do your duty, remember God, and let outcomes be offerings rather than demands.