Draupadi in trouble

We have learnt about sage Durvasa earlier. It is said that he often moved about with ten thousand disciples. It was in such a large group that he once visited Duryodhana. The Kaurava welcomed his guest cordially. Excellent arrangements were made for the stay and a separate kitchen was set up to feed the visitors.

Durvasa often behaved highly whimsically. He suddenly would announce that he was hungry and food should be served immediately. When the sage was hungry, so were his followers! The army of servants at the disposal of the sage immediately would start the ordeal of cooking and feeding the huge gathering of holy men.

The sage could change his mind the moment food was ready. He would announce that he was not hungry any more. Then, all the food that was cooked would go waste. There was no way of knowing when Durvasa would ask for food. But, Duryodhana took excellent care of the sage with his eccentricities.

Durvasa was extremely pleased. He asked Duryodhana what he wished by way of a boon.

The boon

Duryodhana replied politely to the sage. “Sir, you have been kind enough to bless me and and the Kauravas through your visit. I have only one wish to make. My cousins, the Pandavas, are living in the Kamyaka forest. Please bestow your kindness on them, too”.

Duryodhana, then, added after a pause. “If it pleases you, make your visit when they are properly resting after all of them, including Draupadi, finish eating”. Sage Durvasa was touched by the concern Duryodhana showed for his cousins and promised that he would do exactly as he was asked.

Draupadi in distress

Soon after that, Draupadi had an unexpected army of holy men lead by sage Durvasa as visitors. The sage declared as soon as he arrived that he was hungry and that he was going to have his bath in the near by river. He expected food to be served on return.

Draupadi was extremely worried. She had eaten after she served her normal guests and husbands. So, the special gift of utensil with unlimited supply of food became empty. There was not even a grain of rice in stock. What could she do? The sage was known for his volatile temper. He was sure to curse her, if she did not feed him on his return.

Krishna to rescue

Draupadi could think of none other than Krishna who could save her from the situation. She started praying to him in earnest.

It took no time for Krishna to sense that his help was being sought and he appeared in front of the Pandavas immediately. He announced on arrival “Krishna (Draupadi), I am starving. Give me something to eat!”

Draupadi, naturally, thought that he was teasing her. She replied. “My Lord, you know very well that we have all finished eating and nothing remains in the vessel after I eat. Please do not torment me like this”.

But, Krishna would not leave her alone. He said. “I do not believe you. Bring the vessel you got from the Sun god”. When the vessel was brought he inspected it closely. It is said that Krishna found a tiny piece cooked vegetable sticking to the brim of the vessel. He said. “You said that this is empty, but, look what I found”. So saying, he ate the piece of food and belched, in satisfaction.

Durvasa in a fix

That was the exact time when the Maharshi and his men had dipped inside the river water. When he rose he felt that he was full as though he has had a heavy meal just then. That was how his men felt, too. The sage was worried that he had ordered meal to be cooked for himself and his disciples. He was so full that he could not think of eating anything more. Durvasa was afraid that the Pandavas would not be too pleased, if he refused food. They were the best friends of Krishna who was sure to be offended, if he upset the Pandavas. For once, the sage feared that he was going to be at the receiving end. The best way out, he thought, was to get out without facing the Pandavas. So, Durvasa and his followers made a quick exit from the forest.

That was how the Pandavas were saved from the wrath of Durvasa by Krishna. Thus, Duryodhana’s carefully crafted plan did not bear fruit.