Why did Lord Krishna ask Sudama to return his clothes?
Lord Krishna gave Sudama his bed to sleep while the queens fanned Sudama all night.
In the morning, Sudama decided he must ask to leave today as by doing so, Shri Krishna and the rest of the family will insist he leaves in a few days and he will have to oblige. So, Sudama said to Lord Krishna: “Krishna, I must depart now.”
Lord Krishna said, “Stay for a few more days Sudama.”
“No Krishna, I must go now.”
“Ok then.”
Sudama was surprised to hear this and prepared to leave. Sudama blessed all the queens who bowed to him. Both friends hugged each other.
As soon as Sudama walked a few steps, Kanhaiya said, “Sudama, come back please.”
Sudama returned and asked, “What’s the matter, my friend?”
Shri Krishna replied, “Take care and do come back. Keep in touch.”
“Sure, dear,” and Sudama begun walking again. Sudama walked a few steps and Lord Krishna summoned him again.
Sudama said, “Yes dear…”
“When you come again bring the kids and my sister-in-law with you. Pass my regards to my sister-in-law.”
“Ok, can I leave now?”
Lord Krishna summoned Sudama a third time as he walked a few steps. The eight queens thought, Lord Krishna is being naughty with his friend.
Sudama said, “You are hesitating to tell me something every time you call me back, speak your mind my dear.” “And you won’t feel bad? Asked Lord Krishna
“We are friends, so how can I feel bad?”
“The dhoti and scarf you are wearing are mine. Here is your old and torn dhoti. Please wear your back and return mine.”
Sudama was shocked. He went back into the palace and changed into his dhoti. The queens were angry seeing this attitude of Lord Krishna. They made up their mind to question Lord Krishna regarding this once Sudama had left.
Sudama left and Lord Krishna and the queens entered the palace to rest. The queens asked Lord Krishna, “Tell us, since when have you become so miserly? How bad must he have felt when you asked him to return your clothes?”
Lord Krishna replied, “My beloved, let me tell you something. You should have also questioned me on why I did not insist to Sudama to stay for longer. Do you know, despite giving Sudama so much wealth in Porbandar, Sushilaji has not eaten anything since Sudama left Porbandar. She is fasting until her husband is back safe and sound. The longer I keep Sudama here, the more she would have to fast.”
“Also, you will know that a wife does not wear any ornaments when her husband is overseas. Despite getting so much wealth, Sushilaji has not touched any ornaments. In my clothes, Sushilaji would not have recognised Sudama from far. Thus, I sent Sudama in his own dhoti so that Sushila would see her husband arriving from far and wear her ornaments, ready to welcome her husband.”
On hearing Lord Krishna divine reasons, the queens bowed to Lord Krishna.