Dhruva’s Reward

Chapter 9

The Lord (Prisnigarbha), riding on Garuda, arrived in the forest. Dhruva’s meditation broke, but when he opened his eyes he saw the beautiful Lord in front of him and immediately offered obeisances. Overwhelmed, Dhruva felt incapable of offering appropriate glorification, but after being touched by the Lord’s conchshell he became divinely inspired and prayed eloquently. He admitted the foolishness of seeking material benefit from the Lord and instead wished for the perpetual company of sincere devotees.

The Lord understood Dhruva’s kingly desire and awarded him rulership over the kingdom for 36,000 years, ownership of the Polestar (Dhruvaloka) which exists beyond the partial cosmic devastation, and liberation after the complete devastation. Though generously rewarded by the Lord, Dhruva lamented the material desires he had harboured. With shame, regret and remorse he repeatedly scolded himself for seeking such superficial, temporary benefits.

Dhruva eventually returned to the kingdom, where King Uttanapada eagerly welcomed him with overwhelming love. Dhruva offered heartfelt respect to both mothers and happily greeted his brother, Uttama. Suruci glorified him and Suniti was relieved to have her son back. Seeing his maturity and popularity, Uttanapada enthroned Dhruva as the King, renounced the world, and entered the forest to embrace a life of renunciation.