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There lived a poor brahmin named Shrutadeva in the city of Mithila during Lord Krishna's reign in Dwaraka. This brahmin was a devout follower of Lord Krishna as a result of which he lived a dispassionate life totally detached from worldly activities and pleasures. He led a life as prescribed by the Vedas.

The city of Mithila was then ruled by King Bahulashrava. He too was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Once, Shrutadeva visited Lord Krishna and invited Him to his house. The Lord promised to visit Shrutadeva’s house on a chosen date. Knowing that the Lord had promised to visit the house of a poor brahmin in his city, the King also desired to invite the Lord to his palace.

The King made grand arrangements to receive the Lord. The entire city was decorated with festoons made of pearl and musical instruments were being played in every corner of the city. The whole city bubbled with enthusiasm and everybody was present at the city limit to welcome the Lord. Shrutadeva was also present in the crowd. The Lord, arriving in His chariot saw both of His devotees and desiring to treat both of them equally and assumed two forms.

The Lord walked into the palaceof the king. Bahulashrava spread a carpet studded with rubies and diamonds on the floor, made the Lord sit on a throne of gold studded with precious stones and performed ‘Kanakãbhishekha’ (worshipping the Lord with gold). The Lord accepted the worship of the King and advised him about Raja Dharma.

At the same time, Shrutadeva welcomed the Lord by giving ‘Poorna Kumbha’, spread his upper garment on the ground as carpet and made the Lord walk over it. He then took Him to the ‘Agnihotra Shala’ (place where Agnihotra, a daily ritual prescribed for a brahmin, is performed). He then worshipped the Lord as told in the Vedas and made the Lord sit on a ‘darbãsana’ (seat made of Kusa grass). He gave the Lord a few vegetables to eat. The Lord had brought Brahmarishis with Him. He asked the brahmin to worship them also. Shrutadeva too worshipped them happily. Later, the Lord enlightened him on the knowledge of Self.

The King was unaware of the Lord’s visit to Shrutadeva’s house and the brahmin was ignorant of Lord’s visit to the Kingdom! The Lord thus pleased both of His devotees!

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