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
[Les gens du palais disaient :] Quel mérite a donc acquis ce brāhmane mendiant, si négligé ? Dans ce monde on le tient pour sans fortune, méprisable et bas, et pourtant le maître des trois mondes, Śrīnivāsa, le sert avec respect ; laissant Lakṣmī assise sur le lit, le Seigneur l’a enlacé comme un frère aîné.
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.