Shloka 24
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Divine Friendship, Guru-bhakti, and the Lord’s Grace
अन्त:पुरजनो दृष्ट्वा कृष्णेनामलकीर्तिना । विस्मितोऽभूदतिप्रीत्या अवधूतं सभाजितम् ॥ २४ ॥
antaḥ-pura-jano dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇenāmala-kīrtinā vismito ’bhūd ati-prītyā avadhūtaṁ sabhājitam
The palace residents were astonished to see Kṛṣṇa, whose glory is spotless, so lovingly honor that shabbily dressed brāhmaṇa.
FAQs
This verse shows that Kṛṣṇa joyfully honors even a visibly impoverished, renounced devotee (Sudāmā), revealing that devotion—not external status—draws the Lord’s affectionate respect.
Because Sudāmā appeared like an avadhūta—ragged and outwardly insignificant—yet Kṛṣṇa, famed for spotless conduct, honored him warmly, overturning ordinary social expectations.
Treat sincere spiritual people with respect regardless of appearance or wealth, and cultivate humility—true dignity comes from devotion and character, not external display.