Teachings from the Life of Dhruva

In this Harikatha, Gurumaharaj explains prayers of Brahma, 'tat te anukampam su samikshamano bhunjana evatma krtam vipakam hrd-vag-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te jiveta you muktipade sa daya bhak' by narrating the life of Dhruva and emphasizes the important teachings from his life.

Dhruva in Search of Śrī Hari

After being insulted by his step mother Suruci, Dhruva became overwhelmed by a mixture of grief, anger and wounded pride. Crying intensely as though he were a snake beaten with a stick, he ran to his mother Sunīti. After listening to his mother’s lamentation and instruction, he became resolutely determined to please Śrī Hari.

Nārada Muni Instructs Dhruva

After listening to the instructions of Nārada Muni, Dhruva only became more and more determined in his plan. He said, “If I do not attain the lotus feet of Śrī Hari, I will never return home again.” Seeing such strong faith, Devārṣi Nārada was pleased in his heart and blessed the young boy with his causeless mercy. He then gave him instructions on an easy way to perform the worship of Śrī Hari.

Supreme Lord Graces Dhruva

After intense penance Dhruva got the grace of the Supreme Lord Śrī Hari. He appeared in front of him and understood the desire of Dhruva to sing the glories of Him. Out of compassion for him, He touched the throat of Dhruva with His conch-shell, Pānchajanya, which has the capacity to bestow divine knowledge. The touch of that divine conch-shell conferred upon Dhruva great power of speech with which he glorified the Lord.

Dhruva Departs for Vaikuṇṭha

Dhruva reached to the planet of Vishnu, which is above the three worlds and the constellation of the Seven Ṛṣis. The Lord, who is very affectionate to His devotees, granted Dhruva the supreme destination, but He did not give the same blessing to his stepbrother, Uttama, and his stepmother, Suruci, who had committed offenses. Uttama was killed by the Yakṣas while he was hunting in the forest, and Suruci died in a forest fire while searching for him.