Bhagavatham Stories

After describing the creation of the universe and the cosmic manifestations, Maitreya continued his narration to Vidura by explaining the genealogy of great kings who ruled the earth in ancient times. These were not ordinary rulers, but great devotees of the Supreme Lord who understood that their primary duty as kings was to protect their subjects in accordance with divine law, to establish righteousness, and to guide people toward spiritual realization. The lineage of these kings came from Brahma, the creator of the universe, and through various descendants, many exalted personalities appeared in the royal dynasties. Among these, one of the most celebrated is Dhruva Maharaja, whose story exemplifies the power of steadfast devotion and the mercy of the Lord toward sincere seekers.

Maitreya explained that Dhruva Maharaja was the son of King Uttanapada and his first wife Suniti. Though Dhruva was a prince by birth, destined to inherit a great kingdom, his early life was marked by tragedy and rejection. His father, influenced by his second wife Suruchi, treated Dhruva with indifference and neglect, often showing favoritism toward his other son, Uttama, who was the child of Suruchi. In the royal palace where everyone should have offered respect to the young prince, Dhruva was often humiliated and treated poorly. This mistreatment, rather than breaking Dhruva's spirit, awakened in him a profound sense of determination and a desire to achieve something great that would transcend all material considerations. Even as a young child, Dhruva possessed an intuition that there was something higher than material position, something that could not be taken away by any jealous rival or cruel circumstance.

The young Dhruva, hurt by his stepmother's behavior and his father's neglect, approached his mother Suniti seeking comfort. Rather than encouraging him to harbor bitterness or seek revenge against those who mistreated him, Suniti, being a devotee of the Lord herself, gave her son counsel that would change the course of his life. She explained that the source of all happiness, protection, and real dignity was not material position or royal status, but the Supreme Lord, who dwells within the heart of every living being. She told her son that if he wanted to achieve something truly great—something that would grant him eternal fame, eternal happiness, and the eternal association of the Supreme Lord—he should turn to devotional service. She encouraged him to go to the forest and engage in dedicated meditation and devotional practice, offering his heart to Lord Krishna. She assured him that the Lord is merciful and that if anyone calls upon Him with complete sincerity and dedication, He will respond and grant them the desire of their heart.

Suniti's words penetrated deep into Dhruva's young heart, and he decided that he would dedicate himself to spiritual practice with an intensity that had rarely been seen before. Though he was just a small child, barely five years old, Dhruva was determined to achieve the supreme goal. He asked his mother for her blessing and permission to go to the forest. Though a mother's heart would naturally be torn at the thought of her young child leaving home to undergo severe spiritual austerities, Suniti recognized that her son's spiritual aspiration transcended ordinary parental attachment. She blessed him, knowing that his path would lead to the highest good, and Dhruva set out on his extraordinary spiritual quest. This chapter establishes several important principles: first, that devotion to the Lord is available to everyone regardless of age, gender, or material circumstances; second, that a sincere spiritual master or guide can tremendously accelerate one's spiritual progress by giving proper direction and encouragement; and third, that sometimes the greatest tragedies or rejections in life can become the impetus for the most exalted spiritual achievements.

Maitreya emphasized to Vidura that the story of Dhruva Maharaja is particularly relevant for people living in the present age. In the age of Kali-yuga, many people face difficulties, rejections, and struggles that might otherwise lead them toward despair or material pursuits of temporary compensation. However, this story demonstrates that such circumstances can instead become the opportunity for genuine spiritual awakening if one has proper guidance and proper understanding. Moreover, the story shows that one does not need to wait for perfect circumstances or wait until one is old and ready to retire from worldly life to begin sincere spiritual practice. Sincere spiritual seeking can begin immediately, from whatever position one finds oneself in, and the results are guaranteed by the nature of devotional service itself. Whether one is young or old, rich or poor, learned or simple, blessed or cursed with difficulties—the path of devotional service to the Supreme Lord is open to all and yields its promised results with certainty.