*** The Story of Dhruva ***

*** The Story of Dhruva ***

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

Dhruva was the son of king Utthanpada and Suniti. King Utthanpada was very fond of his second wife, Suruchi, and used to be mean to Suniti, Dhruva's mother. One day, when Dhruva was five years old, his step-brother was sitting on his father's lap. Dhruva also wanted to sit there. But his step-mother stopped him and dragged him aside.   She spoke rudely to Dhruva, saying: "If you want to sit on your father's lap, you should have been born to me instead of to your mother. At least now, pray to Lord Vishnu, so that He will make this happen."   Dhruva was deeply hurt by his step- mother’s insulting words. He went to his mother, weeping. His mother consoled him and told him to take his step-mother's words seriously and pray to Lord Vishnu, who is the helper of all beings.   Dhruva left the kingdom for the forest with a determined mind to see Lord Vishnu and reach a higher place. On the way, he was met by the celestial sage Narada. Narada gave him the 12-syllable mantra:

 "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

for worshiping the Vishnu form of Lord Krishna. Dhruva worshipped Vishnu for six months, and Lord Vishnu appeared before him. Vishnu promised that Dhruva's wishes would be fulfilled and he would reach the highest heavenly seat of the Polestar, which is not destroyed even when all the worlds are destroyed.   Dhruva returned to the kingdom. When the King grew old, he decided to crown Dhruva as the King. Dhruva ruled for many years and in the end reached the Polestar granted by Lord Vishnu. It is said that the entire Zodiac is made up of planets, stars, etc. All rotates around the Polestar. To this day, when Indians see the Polestar, they remember Dhruva, the devotee of perfect purity of mind and firm determination. 

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"