Story of Akshaya Patra In Mahabharat - Divine Bowl Give Food All Day

Akshaya Patra is a divine bowl that was given to Panchali, the wife of Pandavas by Surya, the Sun God. It is an important symbol and the story happened during the exile period of Pandavas.

During their exile period in the Mahabharata, Pandavas traveled across the country and wherever they camped, numerous saints and people used to visit them. The Pandavas found it difficult to provide food to the visitors. So Panchali prayed to Surya and He gave her the Akshaya Patra. The divine bowl would give food all day till Panchali takes her food. After the queen of the Pandavas had eaten, the bowl would not provide any food on the day.

Kauravas who never spared an opportunity to trouble Pandavas requested Sage Durvasa to visit the Pandavas. Sage Durvasa was known for his short temper and used to curse people if he was angry.

Kauravas made sure that Durvasa reached the camp of Pandavas after Panchali had eaten her food.

Pandavas were forced to invite Durvasa and his students for food. Akshaya Patra will not provide any food on the day as Draupadi had eaten her food. They had no idea how they would provide food suddenly to such huge number of people.

Meanwhile Durvasa and students went to take bath in a nearby river.

Draupadi, who did not know what to do, prayed to Sri Krishna. Suddenly Sri Krishna appeared before her and she narrated the problem.

Sri Krishna asked Draupadi to bring the Akshaya Patra. He found a small piece of Amaranth leaf sticking to side of the bowl. Sri Krishna ate it.

She thanked Draupadi and said that his stomach was full and went away.

Draupadi did not realize what was happening.

Durvasa and students who were taking bath too felt their stomach was full and they were no longer hungry. They bid adieu to Pandavas without eating food.

Then Draupadi realized that with the small piece of Amaranth leaf in the bowl, Sri Krishna sufficed the hunger of all living beings.