Long
ago, there lived a King named Uttanpad. He had two wives, Suniti and
Suruchi, and two sons. Suniti's son was Dhruv and Suruchi's son was
Uttam. They were both five years old. King Uttanpad was very fond of his
younger queen Suruchi, so he stayed with her. He rarely went to Suniti.
Dhruv, the elder son, loved his father. So, Dhruv used to visit his
father often. Suruchi did not like this. She wanted the king to love
only her son, Uttam.
One day, Dhruv saw his brother Uttam
sitting in his father's lap and playing. He rushed to give him a hug and
sit on his lap too. Queen Suruchi stopped him and said, "You are not my
son, so you shall not sit on your father's lap."
On hearing this, Dhruva looked at his father hoping that he
would stop Suruchi and take him on his lap. But his father did not say
anything and ignored him. Dhruv was very hurt. With tears in his eyes, he went home to his mother.
Queen
Suniti was very sad to hear what had happened to her son. Dhruv asked
her why his father loved him less. She comforted him and replied
unhappily, "The king loves Queen Suruchi and not me. So, the king does
what she wants, and neglects you. I am helpless."
"Mother, is there no other way I can get my father's love?" asked Dhruv. His mother Suniti consoled and instructed little Dhruv:
1. If you have to beg for something, let that be from God.
2. However much you ask of a human being, it will be little.
3. Suruchi has spoken words of truth, even if you want the throne, pray to the Lord!
4. When God gives, He gives in plenty.
5. God is the true Father of all us. He will make you sit on His lap with love.
6. If you get a vision of Lord Narayan, all your troubles will end.
7. Go to the forest and perform penance.
8. I am not sending you alone, my blessings and God are with you.
Hearing this, Dhruv decided to seek Lord Narayan. he took his mother's blessings and left for the jungle.
On
his way, he met Narad, the closest devotee of Lord Narayan. Sage Narad
tested Dhruv, " it is not easy to meet Lord Narayan. You are very
young.You are just a small child. The forest is full of dangerous
animals. How will you bear the winter's cold, the summer heat
and torrential rain? Go
back home and play with your friends instead." Dhruv was very
determined to see Lord Narayan at any cost. His determination pleased
Narad, who taught Dhruv the sadhana (spiritual practice) that help him see the Lord.
Dhruv
started worshipping Lord Narayan. With every breath, he chanted the
mantra in praise of God. For the first month, he lives only on fruits.
After that, he lived on leaves and water. Finally,
he lived on air alone. The penance was so intense that it heated up all
the worlds. Devotees rushed to Lord Narayan and prayed to Him to pacify
Dhruv by granting him his wish.
Lord
Narayan was pleased with Dhruv's penance. He appeared before him and
blessed him, "O child! Your father and all the others will love you
dearly hereafter. Go back to your kingdom. You will become a great king
and rule your kingdom for a long time. After our life on the earth, you
will become the Dhruv star and shine brightly in the sky. All the great
planets and even the seven rishis will revolve around you."
Dhruv became a wise king and ruled for many years. He spread the
message of peace and justice in his kingdom. When he died, he became a
star in the sky. This star, called the pole Star or Dhruv Tara is still
seen shining in the sky. It is the only star that has a permanent place
and does not change its position in the sky. All the other stars and
constellations move around it throughout the year. Travellers look up to
the Dhruv Tara in the night to find their way.
Even today, Dhruv is remembered as a great devotee of Lord Narayan.
