From Kamyak forest, the Pandavs moved to Dvaita Forest.
The question of daily food was solved by the gift from Sun God of a
"special vessel" given to Draupadi. The vessel would be filled
by the desired food once a day. However, after it was used one time
in a day, it could be filled only the next day.
Story of Sage Durvasa
Once, while passing through the forest, the sage Durvasa, accompanied
by his many disciples, reached the hut of pandavs. Sage Durvasa was
known for his short temper and for giving a curse to those who did not
obey his commands.
Draupadi welcomed the sage and after proper salutations inquired about
their needs. Durvasa told her that they were all hungry and would be
happy to receive proper meals. Draupadi was at her wits end as there
was nothing in her kitchen to offer to these hundred pious guests!
Unfortunately the vessel that could have solved her problem was already
used for the day and washed clean. Now it would yield the food the next
day only. It was, at the same time essential for her to make some arrangements
as per the command of Durvasa lest his curse might prove disastrous
for her and pandavs.
To buy time, she requested the sage and his disciples to take bath in
the nearby river, and in the meantime she could prepare meals for them.
The sage agreed and left for the river with his associates.
Krishna comes to help again
Perturbed and helpless, Draupadi started praying to Sri Krishna for
help. She sat in front of the image of the Lord and with wet eyes prayed
to Him to rush to her assistance. Sri Krishna, in his palace in Dwaraka,
heard the cry of despair of his devotee and rushed to her forest dwelling.
With a sweet musical voice, he consoled her not to worry and asked her
for some food for himself. He said he was hungry.
Draupadi did not understand this unusual demand. On the one hand she
had called Sri Krishna for help, and on the other, Sri Krishna himself
appeared to trouble her. This paradox confused her.
She said, "O Krishna, this is no time for joking. Durvasa has demanded
food for himself and hundred of his disciples. There is not a single
grain in my kitchen. What should I do? How can I resolve this crisis?"
Hearing this, Sri Krishna said, "O sister, that is why I am asking
you to give me something to eat! Bring that vessel that gives you your
daily food, there must be something in it."
Reluctantly Draupadi did as was asked. And there attached to the back
of the vessel was a grain of rice! Sri Krishna put it in his mouth.
His hunger was satisfied. Then a miracle occurred. The Lord of Universe
had eaten enough; and with this was satisfied the appetite of the whole
world!
Here on the bank of the river, Durvasa and his disciples suddenly felt
that their stomach were full! They had no appetite left even for a single
bolus of food. How could they now eat the meals prepared by Draupadi?
Therefore, the sage with his party, beat a hasty retreat without ever
bothering Draupadi any more!!