Dhruva's Quest for Divine Status
Creation - Chapter 11
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Creation - Chapter 11
Dhruva, son of King Uttanapada, seeks divine status after facing rejection. Guided by seven sages, he learns to worship Visnu, embarking on a journey of spiritual awakening and celestial ambition.
Parasara continued his narrative about Manu Svayambhuva's descendants.
Manu Svayambhuva had two heroic and pious sons:
Priyavrata
Uttanapada
Uttanapada had two sons:
Uttama: Born to his favorite wife, Suruci
Dhruva: Born to his less favored queen, Suniti
One day, young Dhruva observed his brother Uttama sitting on their father's lap as he sat upon his throne. Wanting the same affection, Dhruva approached, respectfully wishing to be taken on his father's knee. However, Suruci's presence prevented the Raja from gratifying his son's desire.
Maitreya recounted Suruci's speech to Dhruva:
"Why, child, do you vainly indulge in such presumptuous hopes? You are born from a different mother, and are no son of mine. You should not inconsiderately aspire to a station fit for Uttama alone.
True, you are the Raja's son, but I did not give you birth. This regal throne, the seat of the king of kings, is suited only to my son. Why should you aspire to occupy it? Why idly cherish such lofty ambition, as if you were my son?
Do not forget that you are but the offspring of Suniti."
Hurt by these words, Dhruva left his father and ran in distress to his mother's apartment. Suniti, seeing her son upset, took him upon her lap and gently asked what had caused his anger. She inquired who had displeased him, and if anyone had behaved disrespectfully towards him or his father.
After hearing Dhruva's account, Suniti, deeply distressed and with eyes dimmed with tears, sighed and said:
"Suruci has spoken truthfully, my child. Ours is an unhappy fate. Those born to fortune are not subject to the insults of their rivals. Yet, do not be afflicted. Who can erase what you have done in past lives, or grant you what you have not earned?
The regal throne, the umbrella of royalty, horses, and elephants belong to those whose virtues have earned them. Remember this, my son, and be consoled.
The king favors Suruci as a reward for her merits in a former existence. The title of wife alone belongs to those like me, who lack equal merit. Her son, Uttama, is born of accumulated piety. You, Dhruva, are born of lesser moral worth.
Therefore, my son, it is not right for you to grieve. A wise man is content with his appointed station. But if Suruci's words still hurt you, strive to increase your religious merit. Be amiable, pious, and friendly. Be diligent in showing kindness to all living creatures. Remember, prosperity descends upon modest worth as water flows towards low ground."
Dhruva replied firmly:
"Mother, your consoling words find no place in a heart broken by insult. I will exert myself to obtain such an elevated rank that it shall be revered by the whole world.
Though I am not born of Suruci, the king's beloved, you shall witness my glory. I am your son. Let my brother Uttama possess the throne given by our father. I seek no honors but those my own actions shall acquire - honors even my father has not enjoyed."
Dhruva left the palace and entered a nearby thicket. There, he encountered seven Munis (sages) sitting upon black antelope hides spread over holy kusa grass. The hides had been taken from the sages' own persons.
Saluting them reverentially and bowing humbly, the prince said:
"Behold in me, venerable men, the son of Uttanapada, born of Suniti. Dissatisfied with the world, I appear before you."
The Rsis (sages) replied:
"Child, you are the son of a king and only four or five years old. There should be no reason for you to be dissatisfied with life. You cannot want for anything while your father reigns.
We cannot imagine you suffer from separation from a loved one. Nor do we see any sign of disease in you. What is the cause of your discontent? Tell us, if you know it yourself."
Dhruva then repeated Suruci's words to the Rsis. After hearing his story, they said to one another:
"How surprising is the vehemence of the Ksatriya (warrior caste) nature! Even a child cherishes resentment and cannot forget the harsh words of a stepmother.
Son of a Ksatriya, if you wish, tell us what you propose to do about your dissatisfaction with the world. If you desire our help, speak freely. We see that you wish to say more."
Dhruva said:
"Excellent sages, I do not wish for riches or dominion. I aspire to a station no one before me has attained. Tell me what I must do to achieve this. How can I reach an elevation superior to all other dignities?"
The Rsis individually replied as follows:
Marici said: "The best stations are unreachable for those who fail to propitiate Govinda. Prince, worship the undecaying Acyuta."
Atri said: "One who pleases Janarddana, the first of spirits, obtains imperishable dignity. I declare this truth to you."
Angiras said: "If you desire an exalted station, worship Govinda. All that exists, immutable and undecaying, is in him."
Pulastya said: "One who adores the divine Hari - the supreme soul, supreme glory, and supreme Brahma - obtains the difficult prize of eternal liberation."
Kratu observed: "When Janarddana is pleased - he who is the soul of sacrifice and the supreme spirit in abstract contemplation - there is nothing one cannot acquire."
Pulaha said: "Indra worshipped the lord of the world and obtained the dignity of king of the celestials. You too should adore Visnu, the lord of sacrifice."
Vasista exclaimed: "Child, by propitiating Visnu, one may obtain anything the mind desires, even the most excellent station in the three worlds."
Dhruva replied: "You have told me, as I humbly bow before you, which deity to propitiate. Now, please tell me what prayer I should meditate on to please him. May you great Rsis look upon me with favor and instruct me on how to propitiate the god."
The Rsis answered:
"Prince, you deserve to hear how those devoted to Visnu have performed his adoration. First, clear your mind of all external thoughts. Then, fix your mind steadily on the being in whom the world exists.
Concentrate your thoughts on this single object, letting it fill your mind completely. Keep your spirit firmly under control. Then, silently recite this prayer:
'Om! Glory to Vasudeva, whose essence is divine wisdom; whose form is inscrutable, or is manifest as Brahma, Visnu, and Siva.'
Your grandfather, Manu Svayambhuva, once uttered this prayer. Pleased by it, Visnu granted him unparalleled prosperity in the three worlds. Recite this prayer constantly to gratify Govinda."
Thus concludes the eleventh chapter of the Creation part of the Vishnu Purana.