Story of Dhruva

-Samhitha Srinivasan, Edmonton

King Uttanapada and his first wife, Suneethi had a child named Dhruva. At a very young age, he wanted more and more to be with the King as he learned that the King was his father. One day as Dhruva walked to sit on his father’s lap, his step mother, Suruchi stopped him. Suruchi also stated that if Dhruva wished to be near the king he had to pray to bhagavan to be born as her son. Distressed by his step mother’s harsh words he went to his mother for comfort. Hearing all this Suneethi, Dhruva’s mother instantly told Dhruva to pray to Bhagavan and His lotus feet so that his sadness could be wiped away. Wanting to obey his mothers words right away he set out to the forests.

As Dhruva wandered through the forest he came upon a sage named Narada. At this moment Sage Narada decided to test the little boy. When Narada approached the boy, he spoke of the dangers Dhruva would face if he continued his journey. Sage Narada also said he would take Dhruva home and would be able to give him the opportunity to sit on his father’s lap. Even if this wouldn’t happen he said everything happens for a reason. He informed Dhruva that it was hard to reach Bhagwan. Dhruva did not want to give up and he decided to continue his passage. By this, Sage Narada knew that Dhruva would be successful because he passed his test. Sage Narada gave him advice saying that when you see Bhagavan you should ask for Satsanga. Narada also guided Dhruva and gave a detailed explanation of how the Lord would look like.

Dhruva did not want to give up and he decided to continue his passage.

Dhruva followed Narada’s instructions and he followed different routines each month. In the first month he only ate fruit every three days, the next month he had only dried leaves every six days, then only water every 9 days the next month and finally with nothing but consuming air every 12 days. Dhruva stood like a statue on one foot and meditated on what Bhagavan would look like in his mind. Because of his devotion, he attained Bhagavan’s grace. When Bhagavan gave darshan, Dhruva recited the 12 slokas of Dhruva Sthuthi.