Akshayapatram is derived from Sanskrit words ‘Akshaya’ meaning inexhaustible and ‘Patram’ meaning vessel. Akshayapatram is an extraordinary and magical vessel with an uninterrupted supply of food.
Akshayapatram was given to Yudhisthira the eldest of the Pandavas by Surya (Sun god) during their exile. The vessel was answer to the hunger needs of the Pandavas and Saints who accmpained them.
Yudhisthira lamented his fate to the Brahmans as he wandered towards the forest."Our kingdom is lost to us," he said, "and our fortune; everything is lost; we depart in sorrow, and must live on fruits and roots and the produce of the chase. In the woods are many perils--many reptiles and hungry wild animals seeking their prey."
A Brahman advised the deposed rajah to call upon the sun god, and
Yudhishthira prayed: "O sun, thou art the eye of the universe, the soul of all things that are; thou art the creator; thou art Indra,
lord of creatures, father of gods and man; thou art fire, thou art Mind; thou art lord of all, the eternal Brahma."
Then Surya appeared before Yudhishthira and gave unto him a copper pot, which was ever filled with food for the brethren.
