Little Dhruv, the Steady Star

Long, long ago, there lived a king named Uttanapad. He had two queens, Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti's son was Dhruv, and Suruchi's son was Uttam. The king loved Suruchi more.

One day, five-year-old Dhruv came into the royal hall. He saw Uttam sitting on their father's lap. Dhruv wanted to sit on his father's lap too. But Queen Suruchi stopped him and said sharply, "If you want this lap and this throne, go and pray to Bhagwan Vishnu, and be born as my son." The king said nothing.

Tears filled Dhruv's eyes. He ran to his mother, Suniti. She held him close and said, "My child, do not wish anyone harm. If you truly want something, give your heart to Bhagwan Vishnu. He is everyone's support."

Little Dhruv set off for the forest at once to find Bhagwan. On the way he met Narad Muni. Narad Muni tested him: "Child, you are very young. Tapasya is very hard. Go back home." But Dhruv said politely, "Muni ji, my mind is made up. Please show me the way to Bhagwan."

Seeing how firm Dhruv was, Narad Muni was pleased. He told him to go to Madhuvan on the bank of the Yamuna and taught him a mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".

In Madhuvan, Dhruv began his tapasya. In the first month he ate a little fruit once every three days. In the second month he ate dry leaves once every six days. In the third month he drank only water once every nine days, and in the fourth month he lived on air alone. In the fifth month he stood on one foot, thinking only of Bhagwan. His mind did not waver even a little.

Pleased with Dhruv's devotion, Bhagwan Vishnu came before him, riding on Garuda. Dhruv was so happy that he could not speak a word. Then Bhagwan gently touched his cheek with his conch. At that very moment, a beautiful prayer of praise began to flow from Dhruv's lips.

Bhagwan said, "Dhruv, you will look after your father's kingdom, and then you will have a place in the sky so steady that it will never move."

When Dhruv came home, King Uttanapad ran to him and hugged him. Both mothers blessed him too. When he grew up, Dhruv ruled with fairness for a very long time.

Even today, on a clear night, the star that stays in one place in the northern sky is called Dhruv Tara, the Pole Star. It reminds us that true determination does not waver.