IIntroduction: The Pandavas’ Predicament
The five Pandava princes, rightful heirs to the throne, were continually harassed by their envious cousin, Duryodhana. He schemed relentlessly to eliminate them, hoping to claim the crown for himself. Though he managed to cheat them in a gambling match, banishing them to the forest for thirteen years, he couldn’t overcome the fact that Lord Krishna, the all-powerful protector, was their close friend.
During their exile, the Sun God blessed Draupadi, the devoted wife of the Pandavas, with a magical pot. This pot had the extraordinary ability to provide unlimited food, but only until Draupadi had eaten. After that, it would remain empty until the following day. Despite their harsh living conditions in the forest, the Pandavas were never hungry because of this divine gift.
Duryodhana’s Malicious Plot
Duryodhana, ever watchful, was determined to bring ruin upon the Pandavas even during their exile. One day, while camping nearby, he was visited by the powerful mystic yogi, Durvasa, known for his quick temper and fearsome curses. Duryodhana, recognizing an opportunity, lavished Durvasa with impeccable hospitality, knowing that even a minor slip-up could result in a dreadful curse.
Pleased with Duryodhana’s service, Durvasa offered him a boon. Duryodhana, concealing his wicked intentions, humbly requested that Durvasa visit the Pandavas, claiming he wished for his cousins to enjoy the yogi’s esteemed company. Durvasa agreed, setting off with his ten thousand disciples. Duryodhana, confident that the Pandavas had already eaten and wouldn’t be able to feed such a large group, chuckled to himself, anticipating the disaster that would befall them.
The Pandavas in Crisis
When Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, saw Durvasa and his disciples approaching, he was alarmed. He asked Draupadi to bring out her magical pot to prepare food for their unexpected guests. But to his dismay, Draupadi revealed that she had already eaten, and the pot was now empty until the next day. The Pandavas were in a dire situation, knowing well the consequences of failing to feed Durvasa and his men.
In desperation, Draupadi did the only thing she could think of—she prayed to Lord Krishna with all her heart, beseeching Him to protect them from this perilous situation.
Krishna’s Miraculous Intervention
In response to Draupadi’s sincere prayer, Lord Krishna appeared before her. After listening to her plea, He asked Draupadi for food, seemingly ignoring the gravity of the situation. Draupadi, puzzled, explained that the pot was empty and she had nothing to offer. Krishna, however, asked her to fetch the pot anyway.
When Krishna inspected the pot, He found a tiny morsel of vegetable stuck to the rim. With a smile, He ate the morsel, and then instructed Bheema to invite Durvasa and his disciples to return for their meal.
Durvasa’s Transformation
As Bheema approached the river where Durvasa and his disciples were bathing, he saw something astonishing. The sages were rubbing their bellies, expressing that they were completely full. Durvasa himself remarked on their inexplicable fullness and, fearing they might offend Bheema by refusing the meal, they all fled into the forest, unable to eat another bite.
Bheema returned to the camp, relaying the miraculous news to his brothers. Draupadi, with her deep understanding of Krishna’s divine nature, explained, “Krishna is like the root of a tree. When the root is watered, all the branches, leaves, and flowers are nourished. Similarly, when Krishna is satisfied, everyone is satisfied—including Durvasa and his ten thousand disciples.”
Conclusion: The Victory of Devotion
Through Draupadi’s unwavering devotion and Krishna’s kindness, the Pandavas were saved from Duryodhana’s evil plot. This story teaches us that when we place our trust in Krishna and serve Him with a pure heart, He takes care of all our needs and protects us from even the gravest dangers.
Prayer:
O Lord Krishna, we bow to You, the protector of the faithful and the savior of the distressed. Just as You came to the aid of Draupadi and the Pandavas, please guide and protect us in our times of need. Grant us the faith to always trust in Your divine plan and the understanding that when You are satisfied, all our worries and fears are dissolved. Help us to remember that true security lies in devotion to You, and that through Your mercy, even the impossible becomes possible. Jai Shri Krishna!
