Vedavyasa has beautifully narrated some friendships in Hindu Puranas. “Drona & Drupad”, Karna & Duryodhan”, Krishna & Sudama” friendships are some of them. Their distinctive character is the reason of significance of their stories.
Drona was a Brahman boy and Drupad a Prince. At the Gurukul where they spent their childhood, they were great friends. Drona helped Drupad with all the work assigned by the Guru. Drupad seemed very grateful and used to promise Drona, “When I become the king, half my kingdom will be given to you.”
Many years later in the days of poverty Drona approached king Drupad for help. But Drupad insulted Drona mocking him of his poverty, in front of all people. The humiliation made Drona vow to take revenge. This enemity continued till their end in the Kurukshetra war.
Karna was a true friend who kept all the values of friendship. Duryodhana’s motives were selfish as he only wanted a warrior equal to Arjuna. When everyone teased Karna about his lineage and said he could in no way be equal to Arjuna, Duryodhana extended his hands of friendship and made Karna the king of Anga. His selfish intention was to defeat Arjuna. But Karna remained Duryodhana’s loyal friend till the end. He was faithful, righteous and brave and died in Kurukshetra war fighting on his friend’s side with courage, valor and honor.
The Krishna Sudama friendship is the most divine one which is quoted throughout ages. After leaving the Gurukul Krishna was ruling Dwaraka. Sudama was very poor and lived a simple life. One day his wife requested him to go and meet his childhood friend Krishna and ask for some help. Sudama started out to meet Krishna.
The reunion of these friends is described in words that touch anyone’s heart by many poets. Disregarding the poor and dirty appearance of Sudama, Krishna embraced him giving a warm welcome. He was seated on the throne and treated like a king. Sudama was overwhelmed by this love. He forgot to ask Krishna any help but when he returned home he was shocked to see the blessings Krishna had showered on him.
This friendship of Krishna and Sudama is the most divine….
