Yudhistira's Prayer to surya: The gift of akshayapatra

During the Pandavas’ exile in the forest, they faced numerous challenges, one of the most pressing being the need to sustain themselves with limited resources. Surrounded by harsh wilderness, Yudhishthira and his brothers, along with Draupadi, had to rely on foraging and hunting to meet their daily needs. However, as the Pandavas were revered by many sages, rishis, and disciples who often visited them, Yudhishthira was troubled by his inability to offer hospitality and food to their guests. Bound by his commitment to dharma, Yudhishthira prayed for divine intervention to help him fulfill this responsibility.

This devotion and prayer would lead to a miraculous boon from Surya, the Sun God, in the form of the Akshaya Patra—a vessel that would ensure an endless supply of food and sustain them throughout their exile.

Yudhishthira’s Distress and Devotion to Dharma

As the eldest Pandava and the embodiment of dharma, Yudhishthira took his duties seriously, even in exile. He believed that a guest, whether friend or stranger, should be welcomed and fed as per dharma. But the forest offered limited resources, and there were times when they barely had enough food for themselves, let alone for their visitors. Despite his own suffering, Yudhishthira’s heart went out to those who came to visit, seeking his blessings or support. His inability to fulfill this essential duty troubled him deeply.

One day, Yudhishthira expressed his anguish to Sage Dhaumya, who was accompanying the Pandavas during their exile. The sage advised Yudhishthira to pray to Surya, the Sun God, who was known as the giver of life and sustenance. Surya, he explained, was a generous deity who could bless Yudhishthira with the means to fulfill his obligations.

Yudhishthira’s Prayer to Surya

Following Dhaumya’s advice, Yudhishthira performed rigorous penance and offered sincere prayers to Surya. For days, he meditated on the Sun God, seeking his blessings with a heart filled with devotion and humility. Yudhishthira’s prayer was not for himself or his own comfort, but to uphold dharma and fulfill his duty toward his family, guests, and sages who visited him in the forest.

Surya, moved by Yudhishthira’s devotion and sense of responsibility, appeared before him. The deity was pleased by Yudhishthira’s selflessness and his unwavering commitment to dharma, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Boon of the Akshaya Patra

Surya granted Yudhishthira a miraculous boon in the form of the Akshaya Patra (meaning “inexhaustible vessel”), a magical pot that would provide an endless supply of food. The Akshaya Patra had a unique property: it would produce an abundant amount of food each day but would exhaust its magic once Draupadi, the last to eat, finished her meal. The next day, it would again provide an unlimited supply of food for Yudhishthira, his brothers, and any guests they received.

This divine gift was a blessing for the Pandavas, as it allowed them to fulfill their duty of hospitality and provide for their family and visitors. Yudhishthira, overjoyed and deeply grateful, thanked Surya for this extraordinary boon. He promised to use the Akshaya Patra wisely and responsibly, upholding his dharma and continuing to honor his guests.

Life with the Akshaya Patra in the Forest

With the Akshaya Patra, the Pandavas’ lives became much easier. Every day, the vessel provided them with an ample supply of food, ensuring they no longer had to worry about scarcity. Draupadi, who had the responsibility of managing their meals, could serve her family and their guests with ease and dignity. The presence of the Akshaya Patra transformed their life in exile, allowing them to focus on their spiritual practices, training, and meditation.

As the Pandavas continued to encounter sages, ascetics, and visitors in the forest, Yudhishthira was able to offer them food, water, and hospitality, honoring his duty as a Kshatriya and a follower of dharma. The Akshaya Patra not only sustained them but also restored their sense of dignity, allowing them to fulfill their role as noble rulers, even in exile.

The Incident with Sage Durvasa

One of the most significant episodes involving the Akshaya Patra was the visit of the fiery sage Durvasa. Known for his volatile temper, Durvasa and his large group of disciples arrived in the forest, seeking hospitality from Yudhishthira and his brothers. The sage had been sent by Duryodhana, who hoped that Durvasa’s wrath would befall the Pandavas, as Duryodhana believed they would fail to feed the sage and his followers.

Upon receiving Durvasa’s request, Yudhishthira welcomed him graciously and asked him to bathe in the river while food was prepared. However, Durvasa’s visit came late in the day, after Draupadi had already eaten her meal. Since the Akshaya Patra would not produce any more food until the next day, Yudhishthira was left in a state of distress, unable to provide food for the sage.

In her desperation, Draupadi prayed to Krishna for help. Sensing her predicament, Krishna appeared before her and asked for something to eat, despite knowing that the pot was empty. Draupadi, confused yet obedient, showed Krishna the empty pot. To her surprise, Krishna found a single grain of rice and a piece of spinach stuck to the vessel. He ate it with satisfaction, declaring that he was fully content.

Miraculously, this act of Krishna’s satiated not only himself but also Durvasa and his disciples. When Durvasa returned from his bath, he and his followers suddenly felt an inexplicable fullness and, fearing they would offend Yudhishthira by declining food, departed without entering the Pandavas’ hut.