Dhruva’s Kingly Desire

Chapter 8

Maitreya Rishi next narrated the details of Uttanapada’s lineage, a history that would span the rest of Canto Four.

Uttanapada had two queens, Suniti and Suruci, of which his favourite was the latter. Once, when Uttama, the son of Suruci, was playing on his father’s lap, Dhruva also tried to climb on but the King neglected him. Suruci rebuked Dhruva with harsh words, telling him he could not approach his father with such intimacy since he was not born from her. She told him that if he wanted such a privilege, he would have to undergo severe austerities and take birth from her womb.

Feeling pained, Dhruva approached his mother, Suniti, who humbly conceded that Suruci was correct. She advised him that the only recourse was to leave home and focus his mind on the Lord’s lotus feet. Dhruva left immediately and soon encountered the great sage, Narada Muni. Wanting to test his determination, Narada discouraged the young Dhruva from practising austerity, explaining how arduous and painstaking it would be. The adamant boy flatly refused to follow such counsel, and expressed his aspiration to rule a magnificent kingdom greater than that of his forefathers. Narada thus instructed him to engage in devotional service on the banks of the Yamuna (Madhuvana), and gave him the mantra “om namo bhagavate vasudevaya” to chant.

Back in the palace, Uttanapada felt regretful about the neglect he displayed towards Dhruva. He frankly admitted that material attachments had clouded his good discrimination. Narada assured him that Dhruva would soon be successful, being under the protection of the Lord, but Uttanapada nevertheless lost all interest in kingly affairs and became overwhelmed by thoughts of his son.

In Madhuvana, Dhruva began his arduous practice. His fasting became increasingly austere and the intensity of his meditation created reverberations around the universe, causing the demigods to petition the Lord for protection. The Lord reassured them that everything would soon be resolved.