Narrator: Grandpa. Editor: Arlene Hunter

This story, taken from the Bhagawat Purana, encourages us not to wait until we are old to seek God. Dhruva was the son of King Uttanapad, a great ruler of ancient India. Through his steadfast commitment, at a very early age,  Dhruva received the blessings of Lord Vishnu and accomplished his goal. Dhruva Nakshatra, or the unchanging Pole Star, was named after Dhruva.

King Uttanapad had two wives - Suniti and Suruchi. Queen Suniti was elder and Dhruva’s mother. Queen Suruchi, was younger, and did not like her stepson, Dhruva, the rightful heir to the throne. She wanted her own son, Uttam, to ascend the throne. Unfortunately, King Uttanapad liked his younger Queen Suruchi more than Queen Suniti, and did not want to displease her.

One day, little Dhruva went to sit on his father's lap along with his stepbrother, Uttam. Queen Suruchi objected, "You can’t sit on the King's lap. Only my son is allowed to sit on his lap."

Then she taunted Dhruva, "You better pray to Lord Vishnu that he lets you die and be reborn as my son if you ever want to sit on your father's lap!"

Dhruva’s feelings were hurt and he ran crying to his mother, Queen Suniti. But she was helpless.  She said, "I’m sure if you pray to Lord Vishnu He will help you. But you must pray very hard."

Dhruva decided that the best way to do this would be to go deep into the jungle to meditate and pray to Lord Vishnu. Dhruva promised not to return home until his prayers were answered. On his way to the jungle, Dhruva met Narada, the eternal sage. Narada was worried that Dhruva was too young to be in the jungle alone. He tried to talk him out. Narada warned Dhruva that he would be eaten up by wild animals if he stayed in the jungle. But Dhruva was determined. When Narada saw that Dhruva could not be dissuaded and was satisfied that he had the will power to accomplish his task, Narada gave Dhruva instructions in meditation.

Dhruva meditated for many months, gave up all comforts and even stopped eating. Lord Vishnu was amazed at the little boy's determination and finally appeared before him. He blessed Dhruva and told him to return to his kingdom and that things would be alright.

In the meantime, King Uttanapad repented the injustice done to Dhruva. He was heartbroken and very worried that his son might be killed and eaten by wild beasts. Narada consoled him, telling him that Dhruva's resolve was firm and that he had received Lord Vishnu's blessings and be protected by him.

When Dhruva finally returned home safely, after receiving Lord Vishnu's blessings, King Uttanapad went personally to greet him. Queen Suniti was overjoyed at her son's safe return. As time went on, when King Uttanapad was too old to rule, Dhruva was the crowned king, and ruled wisely for many years.

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