When the Pandavas were in exile, Surya Dev had gifted them with an Akshaya Patra. It was unique in that the vessel would continue to provide food until the last person, Draupadi, ate her meal. The Pandavas became famous for their hospitality to the sages even in exile. Out of jealousy, Duryodhan inspired Sage Durvasa to surprise the Pandavas by providing them with the opportunity for seva along with his hundred disciples. Knowing full well that the Akshaya Patra would not produce any food after Draupadi had eaten, he convinced the sage to visit at a time when Draupadi would be done with her meal. 

When the sage arrived with his disciples, Yudhishthir welcomed them and invited them for a meal. They agreed but went to the river to bathe before the meal. However, Draupadi was very worried about how she would feed all of them since she had already eaten her meal. She beseeched Shree Krishna for help from Durvasa’s wrath. The Lord appeared and asked her to bring the Akshaya Patra. Then, the Lord scraped a tiny morsel stuck in the vessel, put it in his mouth and avowed that all the souls in the universe would feel satiated with the morsel that He had eaten. This way he protected the spiritual assets of the pious Pandavas who had surrendered to Him.