The story of Dhruva
Stories from epics are a powerful way to not only connect to the religious personalities, but also bring out complex emotions, powerful individuals, human frailties and much more. These stories present a lively, thought provoking, and intense moments in which the Divine resides.
I wish to present a children's theme through the ancient story from the Bhagavatam - the story of Dhruva. Let’s trace the important events and interactions in Dhruva’s life that eventually shape his destiny: moving him from dejection to triumph.
It is a humble attempt and I hope that the readers will keep in mind that the details of the story represent the times and norms of a bygone era, and appreciate the essence of the story.
Once upon a time, there lived a king, Uttanapada. He had two wives - Suneeti (honesty, truth, morality) and Suruchi (beauty, taste, desire).
Uttanapada had 2 sons. Dhruva (fixed, determined) from his first wife, Suneeti and Uttama (best of the worldly desires- wealth, fame,attention), from his second wife, Suruchi.
The king, Uttanapada, always favored and catered to the joys and desires of his second wife, Suruchi, and often ignored and dismissed the kind words and advice of Suneeti.
We often find ourselves engrossed and entangled in material desires and tastes that we find no time or very little time for good words, philosophy and spirituality— like the king.
One day, the king Uttanapada sat his second son Uttama on his lap and was entertaining the boy with tenderness. His eldest son Dhruva, a 5-year-old and heir to the throne, ran to Uttanapada and asked to be seated on his father’s lap. He wanted his father to shower some affection on him too.
Suruchi was quick to pull Dhruva away and insulted him with unkind words.
“You should have had the good fortune to be born as my son to claim your right to sit on your father’s lap. Pray to Mahavishnu for His grace and be born to me in another lifetime. Only then can you earn your place here.”
Uttanapada watched helplessly at Suruchi’s cruel behavior towards his beloved son.
Words hurt. Hurtful words of parents, who are supposed to be caring and supportive figures, leave children feeling wounded, angry and confused. It was no different for Dhruva. He ran away weeping to his mother, Suneeti.
Suneeti was distraught at the sight of her weeping son, who was visibly angry and inconsolable. All Dhruva could utter were broken words “Aunt Suruchi” ….” dragged me” ….” good fortune” ………. “Ask Mahavishnu”.
Suneeti gathered from the maids what happened in Uttanapada’s chamber and was overcome with sorrow. She wept for her son, who deserved what any child had a right to -a father’s love and affection. She tried her best to comfort her son. Her motherly love was not enough to console her son. Dhruva's anger could not be dissipated.
A mother is an important pillar of support and strength. Mother’s empathy makes a child feel heard. To build valuable connections in their world, empathy is an essential quality. Validating a child’s feelings gives confidence to a child about his/her own right to those feelings. Sometimes a child's traumatic experience leaves a parent dumbfounded.
Dhruva asked his mother about Mahavishnu. He wanted to understand what Suruchi’s words meant.
Suneeti embraced Dhruva and said,” My child! You must be heartbroken by your Aunt’s words. Remember that in this world, no one is responsible for our feelings. Do not be pained by others' words. Unfortunately, your father does not value me or my words. I am helpless and cannot stand up for you.
But your Aunt Suruchi is right. Vishnu is indeed the power who can bestow anything to anyone. He is the universal giver and this world is His creation and we all seek Him for our needs and wants.”
In this world, we often see that 'Ruchi' has the power and entitlement; 'Neeti' rarely gets it's value.
Parents’ honesty helps their children accept harsh truths of life. By avoiding a blame game and being truthful, about what is in their control and what is not, parents can make children build realistic expectations from people, from themselves and from situations they encounter.
Although Dhruva was filled with apprehensions about Vishnu, he was also delighted to hear about Him. Suneeti patiently answered all his questions and reassured him that Vishnu is the One who Dhruva should seek.
Suneeti said, “He is kind and considerate and helps the helpless. Your father, your grandfather and all our illustrious ancestors did penance to Vishnu and begot many boons. Only Mahavishnu can give you that which no one in this world can offer. If you really want something so earnestly, then go and do tapas(penance) to Lord Vishnu. He will not disappoint you.”
A child places immense faith in his/his mother’s words. A mother has the power to change the course of her child’s thoughts and mold his/her personality. By giving direction and pointing the way, Suneeti was able to divert Dhruva’s mind from feelings of anger and resentment towards his father and Aunt. Through compassion and kindness, she guides Dhruva in goal-setting and puts him/her on the path of ‘right thoughts’ and ‘right actions.’
That 5-year-old left home for the forest, Madhuvana (the forest of nectar), determined to find Vishnu and ask Him for his father’s love and a ‘big position’.
He met the Saptarishis (Seven Sages) on the way. Pleased with the boy’s determination and goal, they imparted to the boy the greatness and valor of Vishnu and His divine deeds. Dhruva, enlightened by this knowledge, moved on in his quest with a stronger resolve.
Determination in children makes them do courageous deeds. Since young minds are easily impressionable and easily swayed, parents should talk to their children about strong characters, fortitude, and dedication of great people and set the right role models in their minds.
Onwards as Dhruva walked deeper into the forest, he met Narada, the celestial sage. Narada tried to dissuade him from taking on the strenuous tapas. He talked about the philosophy of good and bad, happiness and joy and the impermanence of the world. Dhruva listened to him patiently, but remained steadfast in his mission to find Vishnu.
Convinced that the boy’s quest was genuine, Sage Narada blessed Dhruva and gave him a mantra (divine sounds) and guided him on ‘how’ to meditate on Vishnu. He also described the physical attributes of Vishnu, by which Dhruva will know that he attained his goal.
We try to talk about the big picture of life and its deep meanings to a child, leaving them frustrated and disoriented.
A good mentor will understand a child’s mind and turn their determination towards a worthy aspiration. When they encounter the right people, children learn to ask meaningful questions about the process and understand how to identify the goal-post.
Armed with all the knowledge of Vishnu and the method of seeking Him, Dhruva meditated long and hard for 5 months with his eyes open, lest he should miss the divine sight of Mahavishnu. He set his mind on the form of Lord Vishnu, just as Sage Narada had instructed. He controlled his senses, and then his mind through food and breath. The Universe is said to have shuddered at the young boy's intense 'tapas'. At last, Vishnu appeared before him and blessed Dhruva.
Dhruva’s boons for love and acceptance, and a 'high position' were granted by Lord Vishnu. He promised Dhruva the ‘highest position’ when the time came. Dhruva went home to a loving family and eventually became the king, keeping faith that his ‘position’ will be awarded in time.
A child's goal should be respected and not trivialized. A child, once set in their minds, will not give up until the goal is reached. It may seem unimportant for adults, but it is the greatest joy for them. When all efforts pay off and their hard work materializes, their happiness knows no bounds. These small successes and joys motivate children to aim higher, go further and reach their potential.
Often Dhruva felt disheartened and dejected that he asked for perishable boons. He felt wretched that he let go an opportunity of a lifetime, when he could have asked for salvation. At such times, he remembered Vishnu's words to perform pious deeds, be a just ruler, remember Him and an assurance that he will attain that place from which he will never return.
At the end of Dhruva's life, Lord Vishnu kept His promise and bestowed on him the highest position -the brightest star on the horizon, Dhruva Nakshatra.
We reach a stage in life, when, after we enjoyed our worldly successes, braved through our setbacks, and feel accomplished in sending off our children into the world, an emptiness sets in. We start philosophizing and questioning all our accomplishments, our actions, our sacrifices, and wonder if it was all well worth it. That is the time, I feel, when we should connect with our inner self that will guide us to the purpose of our life.