Lord Krishna And Sudama On Akshaya Tritiya

The most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, the tale goes, Sudama came over to Lord Krishna’s palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or ‘poha’. He was utterly ashamed to give it to Lord Krishna, but Lord Krishna took the pouch of ‘poha’ from him and relished having it.

Lord Krishna followed the principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘the guest is like God’ and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Lord Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed.

Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama’s old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Lord Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.