Akshaya Patra & Durvasa
“A divine pot feeds all. A sage's test. A prayer answered.”
Story Summary
Early in their forest exile, the Pandavas face a crisis: how to feed themselves and the many Brahmins and followers who have joined them. Yudhishthira prays to Surya, the sun god, for help. Surya appears and grants them the Akshaya Patra—a divine pot that provides endless food until Draupadi finishes eating. This blessing ensures their survival during the long exile. But the divine gift comes with a test: the irascible sage Durvasa arrives with thousands of disciples after Draupadi has already eaten, when the pot cannot provide food. In desperation, Draupadi prays to Krishna. The divine protector appears, eats a single grain of rice from the pot, and through this act, satisfies all of Durvasa's disciples. The sage and his followers leave content, never knowing they were part of a divine test. This story demonstrates Draupadi's virtue, Krishna's protection, and the power of faith during the darkest moments.