The Story of Dhruva – The Boy Who Became a Star

The Story of Dhruva – The Boy Who Became a Star

Long ago, there was a great king named Uttanapada. He had two wives, Suniti and Suruchi. Suruchi was his favorite wife, and because of this, he ignored Suniti and her son, Dhruva. Suruchi’s son, Uttama, was loved and pampered by the king, while Dhruva was often neglected.

One day, little Dhruva saw his younger stepbrother, Uttama, sitting on his father’s lap. Filled with love, Dhruva ran to his father and tried to climb onto his lap as well. But before he could do so, Queen Suruchi stopped him.

Suruchi, filled with pride and jealousy, said, “You cannot sit on your father’s lap, Dhruva. Only my son Uttama has that right. If you want to sit there, you must be born as my son in your next life. Go and pray to Lord Vishnu to bless you with such a birth!”

Hurt and humiliated, Dhruva ran to his mother, Suniti. He told her everything and asked, “Mother, why does father not love me? Why does Queen Suruchi say I need to be born again to get his love?”

Tears welled up in Suniti’s eyes, but she wiped them away and gently said, “My son, do not be sad. Your father’s love is not the greatest thing in this world. If you truly want something that no one can take away from you, seek Lord Vishnu. He is the greatest protector. If you pray to Him with all your heart, He will surely bless you.”

Inspired by his mother’s words, five-year-old Dhruva made up his mind. He decided to leave the palace and go into the deep forest to meditate upon Lord Vishnu.

Dhruva’s Intense Tapasya

As Dhruva wandered into the forest, he met the great sage Narada. Narada, surprised to see such a young boy alone in the wilderness, asked, “My child, where are you going? This jungle is full of wild animals. Why have you left your home?”

Dhruva replied, “I want to pray to Lord Vishnu and ask for a kingdom greater than my father’s. Queen Suruchi insulted me, and I want to prove my worth.”

Narada, testing Dhruva’s determination, said, “My child, you are very young. It is not easy to find Lord Vishnu. Meditation is hard, and the jungle is dangerous. Why not go back home?”

But Dhruva was firm. He folded his hands and said, “O Sage, I am not afraid. Please show me the right path.”

Seeing Dhruva’s strong will, Narada smiled. He taught Dhruva a powerful mantra:

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

Narada blessed him and said, “Chant this mantra with devotion. Lord Vishnu will surely bless you.”

Dhruva then began his intense penance. He stood on one foot and meditated on Lord Vishnu, chanting the mantra continuously.

For the first month, he ate only fruits and leaves.

In the second month, he drank only water.

In the third month, he survived only on air.

By the sixth month, his meditation became so powerful that the entire universe trembled. Even the gods were amazed by his determination.

Lord Vishnu, pleased with Dhruva’s devotion, decided to appear before him.

Lord Vishnu Blesses Dhruva

One day, as Dhruva was deep in meditation, a brilliant light appeared before him. When he opened his eyes, he saw Lord Vishnu standing before him, smiling kindly. Dhruva was overwhelmed with joy. He bowed down and said, “O Lord, I have been waiting for You! Please bless me.”

Lord Vishnu gently placed His hand on Dhruva’s head and said, “My dear child, I am pleased with your devotion. You wanted a kingdom greater than your father’s, but through your penance, you have gained something much greater—eternal wisdom and divine love.”

Lord Vishnu continued, “You will return to your kingdom, and in time, you will become a great king. But after your earthly life, I grant you a place in the heavens. You will become the Dhruva Star, also known as the North Star (Polaris), and shine forever in the sky.”

Filled with gratitude, Dhruva bowed before Lord Vishnu and returned to his kingdom. King Uttanapada, realizing his mistake, welcomed Dhruva with great love and made him the ruler.

Dhruva Becomes the North Star

After ruling wisely for many years, Dhruva finally left his mortal body. As promised, Lord Vishnu granted him a place in the sky. Even today, Dhruva shines as the North Star, guiding travelers and seekers with his unwavering light.

Moral of the Story:

True devotion and determination always bear fruit.

No obstacle is too big if one has faith in God.

Insults and hardships can be turned into opportunities for greatness.

The blessings of the Divine are far greater than any earthly riches.

This story of Dhruva, found in the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, teaches us that with strong will and devotion, even a child can achieve the impossible.