The Story of Dhruv

The Story of Dhruv
Story
A King named as Uttanapada had two wives named Suniti and Suruchi and two children. The King Uttanapada loved Suruchi. Once, the king was sitting on the throne and Uttam, the son of Suruchi was playing in his lap. When Dhruv, the son of Suniti saw this, he asked the king to take him in his lap. Suruchi saw this; she came there and asked the king not to take Dhruv in his lap. The king thought, if he takes Dhruv, Suruchi would get angry.  The king was like a slave to the queen. The king ignored Dhruv. Dhruv insisted to sit in the lap of his father. Suruchi said to Dhruv, you are not worthy to sit in the king’s lap. You are son of disliked queen, Suniti. If you are desirous of sitting in the lap of the king, you should have born to me. There is no one to remove your sorrow other than Lord Narayana. You go to forest and do penance so that you take birth from my womb. Worship him, who gives complete cosmic and supernatural pleasures.

Dhruva, a five-year-old boy, was very angry at the behavior of his step mother. He went weeping to his mother Suniti. She asked him that what happened. Dhruv thought, if he explained her entire episode, it would be sin of blaming parents. At that moment, one female slave came there and told entire episode. Hearing the episode, Suniti thought that she had done nothing wrong with Suruchi. But if she said Dhruv anything wrong against Suruchi, it would develop wrong impression on her son. She told him that his step mother has given good guidance. If you want something, it is better to ask from almighty. Suniti said, I have given you to Narayana. Then Dhruv left for forest. Before leaving for forest, he went to meet Suruchi to take her blessings. She melted momentarily, but due to her ill temperament, she said, it is all right. If he goes to forest, my blessings are with him.
 
Shukdev ji, says, five years old child left for forest after taking blessings. Dhruv was scared of the violent animals. He was thinking, violent animals may devour him. Next moment, he thought that he is not alone. Narayana is with him. On his way, many sages met him. He took blessings from them.
 
On the way, he met Devarishi Narada ji.  Dhruv saluted him and took his blessings. Narada ji was happy with the politeness of Dhruv. Narada ji took him in his lap and stroked his hand on the head of Dhruv. Dhruv felt, his mother is blessing him. Narada ji later enquired from Dhruv about his destination. Dhruv told Narad ji that he is going to forest for vision of Narayana. Narada ji decided to test him. Narada ji said him that he is little child. This age is for playing and not for japa. You should enjoy your life and in old age go to forest for japa. But Dhruv kumar did not agree and asked him for guidance. Seeing his determination, Narada ji asked him to go to “Madhuvan” situated on bank of Yamuna River. He further, explained the method of proving him by giving him initiation of 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya' mantra. Narad ji blessed him that he would have vision of Narayana in six months.
 
Thereafter, Narada ji, came to King Uttanapada. King Uttanapada was regretful after Dhruva had left. Narada ji said to the king that he should not worry about the child. Narada ji told Uttanapada that for six months penance, he should survive over milk only.

Dhruv started Dhyana (meditation) in forest. Initially, he took fruits etc.; from third month, he took only leaves; from fourth month, he fasted on water; from fifth month, he depended on air and from sixth month, he decided continuance japa without moving from his seat. Impressed by the tapasya (Penance) of Dhruv, Narayana appeared. But Dhruv did not open his eyes. Then Narayana made to do away his glorious form in Dhruv’s manas. Dhruv opened the eyes out of affliction. He saw, four armed form of Narayana. Almighty said to Dhruv that he is happy with his bhakti and he could ask a boon. Dhruv ji said that what he should ask. Whatever, you love most, give me that. Narayana said that he should rule for a few years in your kingdom and later he would take him in his abode. Dhruv conveyed his doubt that in previous life, he had deviated to see king and queen and was to born again. Now, if he became king, he might be attached to queens and turn careless. Hence, he did not want to become king. Almighty said him that he should not worry. This would not happen.
 
On return, Uttanapada welcomed Dhruv with full grandeur. He thought that Dhruv had vision of Narayana at the age of five and despite passing half of the life he is still charmed of his wife. Suruchi repented for her misdeeds. Dhruv was made king and married to Bhrami.
 
Once there was a fierce war between Dhruv and Yaksha. That time Manu Maharaj came there and explained him that vaishnav (who worship Vishnu ji) should not do enmity. Hearing this, Dhruv stopped fight and came on bank of Ganges River. He started japa. But sound of flowing of Ganges River disturbed his japa. He said to Ganges that her sound of flowing disturbed his japa. Ganges said that if he did japa in peace, she would be silent. Ganges River turned silent. In Rishikesh near Dhruv ashram, Ganges River is silent.
 
Once, almighty’s attendants came to take him. But Dhruv was not interested to leave bank of Ganges River where he was enjoying satsang, Bhajan, Dhyana etc. But he took last bath in Ganges and saluted her with heavy heart. Ganges River appeared before Dhruv and told him that this is her gross form but she resides in subtle form in Vaikunth. Then Dhruv left for Vaikunth.

Spiritual Significance:

1. Everybody has two wives viz. Suniti and Suruchi and loves Suruchi. Suniti means morality or right behavior. Suruchi means desires. People prefer to enjoy life instead of leading life with good conduct and patience.
2. One who leads life with purity and good conduct, he attains spiritual wisdom.
3. When the person moves towards eternal bliss of almighty, desires create hindrances. Almighty says, jivatma is my son (अमृतस्य पुत्रा:). Almighty says, he is ready to take jivatma in his lap. But jivatma is coming for this.
4. Firm decision can achieve the most difficult task.

 
Reference: Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran by Shri Ramchandra Keshav Dongra ji Maharaj