Story of Dhruva (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Dhruva (1)

Dhruva is the youngest son of King Uttanapada and the grandson of Swayambu Manu. Swayambu Manu is the mind-born son of Brahma, the creator.

Uttanapada had 2 wives, Suniti and Surichi. Uttama is born to Surichi, and Dhruva is born to Suniti. Suniti was, however, sidelined by the king.

Once Dhruva, aged 5, saw Uttama sitting on father’s lap. He, too, wished to sit on father’s lap. 

Surichi refused to treat Dhruva equal to his son. She asked Dhruva to do penance and earn sufficient merit to be born in her womb. King Uttanapada haplessly remained silent.

Deeply hurt, Dhruva went to his mother. Suniti was aware of the situation through her inmates. She advised Dhruva to seek Srihari's blessing through penance and attain a place where no one could achieve.

Dhruva, with a single-minded goal, went to the forest. On the way, he meets Sage Narada, and indeed, the Sage appeared before him to facilitate the process. 

To test his determination, the Sage advises him to desist the thought of humiliation and revenge from his mind and lead a normal life as a child. Dhruva respectfully rejects it and seeks advice on the future course of action to achieve his goal. 

Sage Narada advises him to meditate on Srihari at Madhuvana, near Mathura. He warns that this task is not easy, though many sages meditated for years, decades, and yugas.

Sage Narada teaches the Beej Mantra ' Om Namo Bhagavathe Vadudevaya’ and describes in detail Srihari's beautiful form - Garland of Sylvan flowers, 4 arms with Conch, Discus, Mace and Lotus, Diadem ear-rings, armless, Bracelets, Kaustubha gem on his chest, yellow silk cloth wrapped around his waist, and gold anklets. 

The Sage asks Dhruva to visualize this loving form of the Lord and meditate Beej Mantra.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana