JAPA TIME — Lord Krishna accepts one morsel from Draupadī’s vessel and saves the Pāṇḍavas from Durvāsā

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

In Mahābhārata, Vana-parva section 260, Duryodhana pleases the sage Durvāsā and asks him to visit the Pāṇḍavas only after Draupadī has finished her meal. In section 261, corresponding to chapter 263 in another Sanskrit vulgate numbering, Durvāsā arrives with ten thousand disciples and goes to the river to bathe before eating. Unable to provide another meal, Draupadī remembers Krishna and prays for His protection (263.5–10). Krishna immediately comes, asks for the sun-given vessel and finds one particle of rice and cooked vegetable adhering to its rim. He eats it and prays that Hari, the Soul of the universe, be satisfied (263.11–14). At the river Durvāsā and his disciples suddenly feel completely full and leave without returning (263.16–18). Krishna then assures the Pāṇḍavas that the danger has passed (263.23–27). The illustration depicts only the exact action of verse 263.14: Krishna accepts the single remaining morsel from Draupadī’s vessel. His peacock feather is traditional Vaiṣṇava iconography and is not claimed as a detail stated in this verse.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

Draupadī has no material means to feed Durvāsā and his thousands of disciples after her meal, so she takes shelter of Krishna. The Lord accepts one tiny remaining morsel from her vessel. Because the Lord of the universe is satisfied, the guests at the river become fully satisfied, and the Pāṇḍavas are delivered from danger.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Duryodhana devises a hidden danger

He asks Durvāsā to visit only after Draupadī has eaten and the vessel can supply no more food.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

Durvāsā arrives with his disciples

Yudhiṣṭhira receives the sage respectfully and sends the guests to bathe before their meal.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

Draupadī remembers Krishna

Finding no material solution, she turns inwardly to the Lord and asks for protection.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

Krishna comes immediately

The Lord who is affectionate to His surrendered devotees perceives her distress and arrives.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

One morsel remains

Krishna sees one particle of rice and cooked vegetable adhering to the vessel’s rim and accepts it.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

The guests become satisfied

Durvāsā and his disciples at the river feel full to the throat without eating the expected meal.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

The Pāṇḍavas are protected

The sages depart, and Krishna assures the Pāṇḍavas that the danger has passed.
(Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 260–261; chapter 263.1–29)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Shelter begins where self-sufficiency ends

Draupadī’s prayer is not passivity: after every material option is exhausted, she turns wholly to Krishna.

The Lord is satisfied by sincere offering

The quantity is tiny, but Krishna accepts the morsel and makes it spiritually complete.

Krishna sustains every living being

When the Soul of the universe is satisfied, Durvāsā and his disciples also experience satisfaction.

The Lord protects dharma

Duryodhana’s plot fails because the Pāṇḍavas remain respectful to their guests and dependent on Krishna.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Call upon Krishna attentively

During one round, pray as Draupadī did: “O Krishna, I take shelter of You; please guide and protect me.”

2. Offer one simple thing

Offer the Lord a small, clean preparation, leaf, flower, fruit or water with gratitude rather than pride in quantity.

3. Read the exact episode

Read Vana-parva section 261, especially the action corresponding to chapter 263.14, and remember it during japa.

By Your protection, O Lord Govinda, we have crossed this great difficulty as drowning persons reach shore by a boat.

— Meaning of Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 263.27

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.