Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Dhruva (2)
As advised by Sage Narada, Dhruva reached Madhuvana to do penance. Holding the beautiful form of Srihari in his mind he began the penance.
To sustain his body he ate kapitha ( Wood apple) and Jujube fruit at the end of every 3rd day for first month; blades of grass and leaves every 6th day during the 2nd month; water alone on the 9th day during the 3rd month; inhaling air during the 4th month and remained motionless during 5th month.
All three worlds began to shake. Earth pressed by his one foot leaned to one side. Dhruva has identified himself with Srihari and hence there was a sudden stoppage of breath in Gods.
Gods couldn't bear the heat of Dhruva's penance. They sought Srihari's help, and ultimately, Srihari gave darshan to Dhruva.
Dhruva was dumbstruck on seeing the Lord because the image he meditated upon was similar to the one standing.
He confessed to Srihari that he didn't have sufficient knowledge to describe His supremacy. Srihari understood the situation and touched his cheek with his Conch. Conch is a representation of the Vedas. Dhruva praised the Lord in length. He didn't seek any offer.
Srihari blessed Dhruva that he would be welcomed by his father and stepmother, and would rule the kingdom for 36000 years and finally attain a position in the universe that none could achieve. The position is known as Dhruva Nakshatra or the Pole Star. During the deluge, he would reach Srihari, the final destination.
Dhruva returned to his place with the remorse that he had failed to seek from Srihari the ultimate knowledge (Self-Realization).
Dhruva’s Previous Life
Dhruva, in his previous birth, was a great sage. During the final days, the sage sees a young prince and desires to be like him. This desire led him to take a rebirth.
With achievements in past life, it was not difficult for Dhruva to attain perfection in a few months. Sage Narada knew Dhruva's deeds of previous birth and hence facilitated the process.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
No comments:
Post a Comment