Shloka 25
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Divine Friendship, Guru-bhakti, and the Lord’s Grace
किमनेन कृतं पुण्यमवधूतेन भिक्षुणा । श्रिया हीनेन लोकेऽस्मिन् गर्हितेनाधमेन च ॥ २५ ॥ योऽसौ त्रिलोकगुरुणा श्रीनिवासेन सम्भृत: । पर्यङ्कस्थां श्रियं हित्वा परिष्वक्तोऽग्रजो यथा ॥ २६ ॥
kim anena kṛtaṁ puṇyam avadhūtena bhikṣuṇā śriyā hīnena loke ’smin garhitenādhamena ca
[The palace residents said:] What piety has this unkempt, begging brāhmaṇa performed? Though the world deems him fortune-less, despised, and low, the guru of the three worlds—Śrīnivāsa, abode of Goddess Śrī—serves him with reverence; leaving Lakṣmī seated upon the bed, the Lord embraced him as if an elder brother.
FAQs
Because Sudāmā appeared materially destitute and socially disregarded, yet Kṛṣṇa honored him extraordinarily—implying hidden spiritual merit and pure devotion.
The verse highlights that external poverty or social contempt does not diminish spiritual greatness; Kṛṣṇa values inner devotion and purity, not material status.
Do not judge people by appearance or prosperity; cultivate humility and respect sincere devotion and good character wherever it is found.