Draupadi's Pot and One Grain of Rice

When the Pandavas were living in the forest, far from their kingdom, many rishis and guests came to visit them. Yudhishthir worried, "How will I feed them all?" On the advice of their guru, Dhaumya Rishi, he prayed to Surya Dev. Surya Dev was pleased and gave him a copper pot. He said, "Every day, until Draupadi has eaten, this pot will give food for everyone."

From then on, Draupadi first fed all the guests and the Pandavas each day. She ate last of all, and then washed the pot and put it away.

Duryodhan was jealous of the Pandavas. Once Rishi Durvasa, who was known for getting angry quickly, came to his palace with his disciples. Duryodhan served him very well. The rishi was pleased and said, "Ask for a wish." Duryodhan said, "Please visit my brothers, the Pandavas, in the forest with your disciples too, but go when Draupadi has already eaten." He hoped that when there was no food, the rishi would become angry with the Pandavas.

Rishi Durvasa reached the Pandavas' hut with ten thousand disciples. By then Draupadi had eaten, and the pot had been washed. Yudhishthir said respectfully, "Muni ji, please bathe in the river and come back. The food will be ready by then." The rishi and his disciples went off to the river.

Draupadi was very worried. The pot was empty. She closed her eyes and called with all her heart, "O Krishna, please help me!" At that very moment, Shri Krishna arrived at the hut.

Krishna smiled and said, "Draupadi, I am very hungry. Please give me something to eat first." Draupadi felt embarrassed and said, "Krishna, this pot gives food only until I have eaten. I have already eaten, so it is empty."

Krishna said, "Still, bring the pot and show me." Draupadi brought it. Krishna looked at it carefully. On the rim, one grain of rice and a tiny bit of saag were stuck. Krishna put it in his mouth and said, "May the Bhagwan who lives in the whole world be satisfied by this."

At the river, Rishi Durvasa and his disciples suddenly felt as full as if they had just eaten a huge feast. There was no room for even one more grain. Durvasa said, "We asked them to cook for us, and now we cannot eat. The Pandavas will feel hurt. Let us quietly go away." And they all left.

Krishna sent Bhim to call them, but there was no one at the river. Krishna laughed and said, "Now you have nothing to worry about." The Pandavas and Draupadi thanked Krishna, and he returned to Dwarka.