Krishna and Kuchela
Sudama was childhood friend of Lord Krishna, a god according to Hindu . Sudama was also known as Kuchela, which means the very poor.
At one point of time, he was undergoing extreme poverty without even having enough money to support his wife and children. He did not want to burden others and so kept on without asking any help from any one. Yet, when their sufferings grew beyond endurance, his wife Sushila reminded him of Krishna. She him to meet Lord Krishna and seek help from him. Being dutiful to his family Sudama was compelled to accept her request.
Sudama started for the palace of Krishna. He had no means to get any valuable gift for his boyhood friend. He had a small pack of beaten rice which his wife had for Krishna. Even that was of low quality and the taste worsened, soaked in sweat as he was walking all the way. At last he reached the palace.
Krishna was sitting with his wife upstairs in his and saw Kuchela walking from far. He lost himself in excitement and rushed downstairs running to his dear friend. He brought him home and lavished his love and surprise. Though ashamed of it, Sudama handed his gift of beaten rice. Krishna was by the love of his friend and gave no care for the dust or bad taste. He took from it handful and devoured one full throat. Then he did the same again. When he tried to take a handful from it third time, his wife pleaded him not to. She feared if he does it, she will become Sudama's servant. However, no one saw anything new. Sudama was so carried in his with his friend that he forgot even to ask help from him.
On his way back, he was cursing himself for not asking anything from Krishna. But, as he reached his home, he could't believe his eyes! His hut was no longer there! , there was a palace- like mansion and inside, his wife and children were all in royal get up. He understood everything. Krisna did not ask about his life, did not offer help. But he accepted him, embraced him and was excited about him. That was the real help. Unconditional acceptance can make your poor friend rich. Thus a kuchela becomes kubera
Fill me in
Certain words/phrases are removed from the story given above. Choose the correct option from those given below and fill in the blank space in the story
a. overwhelmed b. starving c. requested d. reunion
e. prepared f. palace g. instead h. mythology
Style Master
Read the following questions and write the correct letter code of answer in the box.
1. He was undergoing extreme poverty
a He was going along a road, under which poor people lived.
b. He was suffering from bitter poverty.
c. He was poor only for a short period of time.
Answer :
2. Being beautiful to his family, Sudhma was compelled to accept her request.
a. He was beautiful to his family, so he had to her request.
b. His wife compelled him to do as she requested because she was not beautiful.
c. Suhama accepted her request, so we can say that he is beautiful to his family.
b. He lost his valuables and so was shocked.
