True Prayer is the pot which is never exhausted
As referred in the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were to leave for the woods, Yudhishthira approached his priest Dhaumya Muni and said, “O revered Sage! The Brahmanas versed in Vedas are following me as I am departing for the forest. I have no power to offer them sustenance. What should be done by me in such a situation?”
The Sage Said: “Support them by practising high asceticism and penance.”As guided by the Muni, Yudhishthira performed the Anushthana by singing the hymn of praise to the Sun comprising of one hundred and eight names of the Sun God, and worshipped Him. Pleased by the hymn, the Sun God appeared before Yudhishthira and said, “You shall obtain all that you desire. I shall provide you with food for twelve years. Accept this copper-vessel. As long as Draupadi serves the food, without partaking of its contents herself, food shall from this day be inexhaustible.”
And with this, Yudhishthira began to feed the Brahmins. Draupadi took food only after everyone had been fed.
When Duryodhana heard that the Pandavas were living happily, doing charities and meritorious acts even in the woods, he longed to do them harm.He along with the artful Karna, Duhshasana and others started making various wicked designs to put the Pandavas in trouble.
In the mean time, Durvasa Muni arrived there along with his disciples. Duryodhana diligently attended the Rishi day and night as a menial, watchful of His imprecations, not out of devotional faith. One day, He became graciously inclined towards Duryodhana, and said unto him, “Duryodhana, you may ask of Me whatever you want.”
Anyone who comes in the trap of jealousy and malice; his conscience does not help him anymore. The evil-minded Duryodhana said, “Brahmana! You become the guest of the Pandavas, just as you have been mine. Go to them at the time when Draupadi has taken her meal.”“Even so shall I act.” Said the Muni and went away.
Karna said, “By good luck, we have attained the objects of our desire. Our enemies have been immersed in a sea of danger. Fortunately, our job is done! Our rivals are now drowning in trouble.”
Pleased are the hungry in food, peacocks in the roaring of the clouds (thunder), the noble in the abundance of others, (whereas) a wicked person in others’ calamities.
One day, when the Pandavas and Draupadi were all seated at ease after their meal, the sage Durvasa, accompanied by ten thousand disciples, repaired to that forest.Joining the palms of his hands, Yudhishthira saluted Him, and after worshipping Him, said, “O adorable sir, after performing your routine ablutions and observances, please return quickly for food.”
And the Muni along with his companions left to take their ablutions. Draupadi was in great anxiety about the food (to be provided for the Munis). She did not have any means to make for a feast. Suddenly she remembered the fact that when there is no way out and no ray of hope left, the only thing at such time that can save you is praying to God and taking refuge in Him. She started praying to Lord Krishna from the very core of her heart.
A true prayer said by a sentimental, sincere and pure heart is answered without fail.
Listening to the call from Draupadi, the Lord instantly appeared there. Draupadi narrated the entire incident. Shri Krishna said, “Draupadi, I am very much afflicted with hunger, do give me some food without delay, and then you may go about your work.” At these words of Krishna, Draupadi became confused. “God! The sun-given vessel remains full until I finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal today, there is no food left in it.”“O Draupadi, go quickly and fetch the vessel and show it to me.” Krishna had the vessel brought to him with much tenacity. He looked into it and found a particle of vegetable sticking on its rim. Then, eating it Shri Krishna said, “May it please and satisfy the Lord Hari, the soul of the entire Universe who partakes at sacrifices.”
On the other side, the ascetics suddenly felt their stomachs to be full. They even started burping frequently. They came out of the stream and said to Durvasa Muni, “Brahmarshi! How can we eat anything, our stomachs seem to be already full.”Durvasa Muni along with all his disciples left the place even without seeing Pandavas (again).
(Excerpts from the Vana Parva, the Mahabharata)
Those who always remain intent on Dharma (righteousness) also get to face troubles and afflictions in their lives, but they do not deviate from their path, nor get distressed by them; instead, they resort to prayer and seek refuge in God. This removes their troubles. The mind filled with jealousy and malice even destroys its own achievements, while prayers done from the core of the heart turns even a lost game into victory, sooner or later.
Source: spiritualnetworks
