AKSHAY PATRA (अक्षय पात्र)
The term "Akshay Patra" (अक्षय पात्र) comes from Sanskrit:
Akshay (अक्षय) = Never-ending, inexhaustible, or eternal
Patra (पात्र) = Vessel, pot, or container
So, "Akshay Patra" means "an inexhaustible vessel"—a container that never runs out of food or sustenance. In the Mahabharata, it symbolised divine abundance and eternal provision, ensuring that the Pandavas never went hungry during their exile. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to represent limitless resources, generosity, or divine blessings.
The Story of Akshay Patra
During their exile in the forest, the Pandavas and Draupadi often faced difficulties in obtaining food. To help them, Surya Deva (the Sun God) gifted Yudhishthira a divine vessel called the Akshay Patra. This vessel had a magical property—it would provide an unlimited amount of food until Draupadi herself had eaten for the day.
With the help of this vessel, the Pandavas could feed themselves and any guests who came to visit them during their exile.
The Incident with Durvasa Muni
Once, the sage Durvasa and his disciples arrived at the Pandavas’ hermitage after Draupadi had already eaten for the day. Since the Akshay Patra would not produce any more food until the next day, Draupadi was worried, as Durvasa was known for his short temper and could curse them if not served properly.
Feeling helpless, Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna arrived and asked Draupadi to bring the Akshay Patra. When she showed it to him, he found a single grain of rice stuck to it. He ate that grain, and miraculously, it satisfied the hunger of Durvasa and all his disciples.
When Durvasa and his followers felt full, they left without returning to the hermitage, thus saving the Pandavas from their wrath.
Symbolism of Akshaya Patra
The Akshay Patra represents abundance, divine grace, and sustenance. It is a reminder that faith in God and righteousness will always bring solutions to even the most difficult problems.
