THE STORY OF DHRUV
Long ago, in the golden age of truth, there lived a noble king named Uttanapada, a ruler from the solar dynasty. He had two queens — Suniti, the elder and virtuous, and Suruchi, the younger and beautiful, but proud. Suniti had a son named Dhruv, and Suruchi’s son was named Uttama.
💔 A Moment of Pain
One day, little Dhruv, just five years old, saw his stepbrother Uttam sitting on his father’s lap in the royal court. Innocently, he too approached his father and wished to sit on the king’s lap.
But Queen Suruchi stopped him sharply. She said:
"You cannot sit on the king’s lap, child. You are not born of me. If you want such a place, you must be born again—from my womb—and earn the king’s favour through penance!"
These cruel words pierced Dhruv’s young heart. His father remained silent, unable to stand up for his son. Humiliated and in tears, Dhruv ran back to his mother.
Seeing her son in distress, Suniti comforted him and said:
"My child, do not be angry. Those who wrong us act from ignorance. If you truly seek a place that can never be taken away, seek it from the Lord Himself—seek it from Vishnu, who gives everything to the sincere."
Her words awakened something powerful in Dhruv. He said:
"I will find Lord Vishnu, and I will earn a place that not even death can take from me!"
🧘 The Journey of Tapasya
Though only five years old, Dhruv left the palace and went deep into the forest. His resolve was unshakable.
There, by divine arrangement, he met Sage Narada, the celestial musician and wise teacher. Narada tested him first, saying:
"You are just a boy, Dhruv. Go back to your mother. This path is too difficult."
But Dhruv stood firm. Seeing his determination, Narada was moved. He taught Dhruv the sacred mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
He instructed him to meditate upon Lord Vishnu in the Madhuvana forest, on the banks of the Yamuna.
For six months, Dhruv performed severe tapasya. Each month, he reduced his intake — from fruits, to leaves, to water, to air — and finally stopped even breathing. Standing on one leg, he meditated without moving, his mind fixed on Lord Vishnu alone.
The Earth trembled with the power of his penance. The gods became fearful and approached Lord Vishnu.
✨ Divine Reward
At last, Vishnu could no longer delay. He appeared before Dhruv, resplendent and radiant, holding the Shankha, Chakra, Gada, and Padma in His four arms.
Dhruv opened his eyes and gazed at the Lord with tears of joy. But he said nothing.
Vishnu asked him,
"Dear child, I am pleased. Ask me for any boon."
Dhruv bowed his head and said,
"O Lord, I sought You for a kingdom, but now that I have seen You, all those desires seem so small. I only wish to remember You always."
Vishnu, deeply touched, said:
"Because of your devotion, I grant you the highest place in the heavens. You shall become the Pole Star — firm, eternal, unmoving. Even great sages will look to you for direction. The Saptarishis will circle around you in the night sky."
👑 The Glorious Ending
Dhruv returned home, was welcomed by the king, and became a wise and just ruler. He ruled for 36,000 years (as per scripture), bringing peace and prosperity. When his time came, a celestial chariot arrived to take him to the heavens—not to the land of death, but to the stars.
Today, Dhruv Tara still shines in the northern sky, unmoved and brilliant. He is a symbol of faith, devotion, and determination.
🪔 What Makes Dhruv’s Story Unique?
He is the youngest known yogi in Hindu scriptures.
His goal changed — from seeking royal recognition to spiritual liberation.
His devotion was fearless, even when gods were worried.
He is honoured not only for his tapasya, but for his purity and transformation.
🌌 Did You Know?
Dhruva Tara (Polaris) is not just a star in the sky. In ancient India, it was seen as the axis of the cosmos, the symbol of truth that never moves.
The Saptarishis who orbit Dhruva are the stars of Ursa Major (Great Bear), visible in the night sky.
What We Learn from Dhruv’s Story:
Even a child, with true faith, focus, and determination, can achieve the impossible.
When the world turns away, we can always turn toward God and inner strength.
Greatness is not in power or position — it lies in selflessness and devotion.
So, the next time you look at the stars, try to spot the Pole Star, and remember the brave little boy who became eternal — Dhruv.
