Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
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
[宫中人说：] 这衣冠不整、贫穷行乞的婆罗门究竟修了何等功德？世人视他为无福无财、卑贱可鄙，然而三界之师、室利的居所——室利尼瓦萨主，却恭敬侍奉他；甚至撇下坐在床上的吉祥天女，主如同拥抱长兄一般拥抱了他。
FAQs
This verse highlights that external poverty or social neglect does not define spiritual worth; the Lord values devotion and purity, not material status.
Out of deep humility, Sudāmā views himself as unqualified—poor and disregarded—contrasting his condition with the Lord’s greatness.
Serve and pray without entitlement—measure success by sincerity and character rather than recognition, wealth, or social approval.