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== ध्रुवस्य तपः ॥ Dhruva's Austerity ==

== ध्रुवस्य तपः ॥ Dhruva's Austerity ==

Having heard the advice of the Saptarshis, Dhruva repaired to the holy place, on the banks of the river  Yamuna, called Madhuvana, the grove of Madhu (named after the demon who formerly resided there) and engaged in penance. In accordance with instruction given by Rshi Marichi and others, he began to contemplate on Vishnu, having his mind perfectly withdrawn from all other thoughts. The great Hari, ever existing in all creatures took possession of his heart. And Vishnu thus, occupying his heart, the earth, the supporter of elemental life, could not sustain his (Dhruva's) weight. When he used to stand upon his left foot, one half of the earth bent beneath him; and when he used to stand upon his right foot, the other half of the earth sank down. And when he used to stand touching the earth with his toes, the whole earth shook with its mountains and rivers. Thereby, the rivers and seas were greatly agitated and being greatly alarmed, even the celestials called as Yamas, in consultation with Indra, began to think of measures to interrupt the austerity of Dhruva.

 

Having heard the advice of the Saptarshis, Dhruva repaired to the holy place, on the banks of the river  Yamuna, called Madhuvana, the grove of Madhu (named after the demon who formerly resided there) and engaged in penance. In accordance with instruction given by Rshi Marichi and others, he began to contemplate on Vishnu, having his mind perfectly withdrawn from all other thoughts. The great Hari, ever existing in all creatures took possession of his heart. And Vishnu thus, occupying his heart, the earth, the supporter of elemental life, could not sustain his (Dhruva's) weight. When he used to stand upon his left foot, one half of the earth bent beneath him; and when he used to stand upon his right foot, the other half of the earth sank down. And when he used to stand touching the earth with his toes, the whole earth shook with its mountains and rivers. Thereby, the rivers and seas were greatly agitated and being greatly alarmed, even the celestials called as Yamas, in consultation with Indra, began to think of measures to interrupt the austerity of Dhruva.  

The Kushmandas, in company with Indra, assuming various shapes, actively engaged in distracting Dhruva. One, assuming the shape of his mother Suniti, stood before him with tears in his eyes saying,<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>पुत्रकास्मान्निवर्त्तस्व शरीरव्ययदारुणात् । निर्बन्धतो मया लब्धो बहुभिस्त्वं मनोरथैः ।। १५ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>दीनामेकां परित्यक्तुमनाथां न त्वमर्हसि । सपत्रीवचनाद् वत्स अगतेस्तं गतिर्मम ।। १६ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>क्व च त्वं पञ्चवर्षीयः क्व चैतद् दारुणां तपः । निवर्त्त्यतां मनः कष्टान्निर्वन्धात् फलार्वाज्जतात ।। १७ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>कालः क्रीड़नकानां ते तदन्तेऽध्ययनस्य च । ततः समस्तभोगानां तदन्ते चेष्यते तपः ।। १८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>कालक्रीड़नकाना यस्तव बालस्य पुत्रक । तस्मिंस्त्वमित्थं तपसि किं नाशायात्मनो रतः ।। १९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>मत्प्रीतिः परमो धर्म्मो वयोऽवर्त्तास्मादधर्मतः ।। २० ।।</blockquote><blockquote>परित्यजति वत्साद्य यद्यतन्न भवांस्तपः । त्यक्ष्याम्यहमपि प्राणांस्ततो वै पश्यतस्तव ।। २१ ।।<ref name=":3">Vishnu Purana, Prathama Amsha, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''putrakāsmānnivarttasva śarīravyayadāruṇāt । nirbandhato mayā labdho bahubhistvaṁ manorathaiḥ ।। 15 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''dīnāmekāṁ parityaktumanāthāṁ na tvamarhasi । sapatrīvacanād vatsa agatestaṁ gatirmama ।। 16 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kva ca tvaṁ pañcavarṣīyaḥ kva caitad dāruṇāṁ tapaḥ । nivarttyatāṁ manaḥ kaṣṭānnirvandhāt phalārvājjatāta ।। 17 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kālaḥ krīḍa़nakānāṁ te tadante'dhyayanasya ca । tataḥ samastabhogānāṁ tadante ceṣyate tapaḥ ।। 18 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kālakrīḍa़nakānā yastava bālasya putraka । tasmiṁstvamitthaṁ tapasi kiṁ nāśāyātmano rataḥ ।। 19 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''matprītiḥ paramo dharmmo vayo'varttāsmādadharmataḥ ।। 20 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''parityajati vatsādya yadyatanna bhavāṁstapaḥ । tyakṣyāmyahamapi prāṇāṁstato vai paśyatastava ।। 21 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: My son, desist from this penance that is destroying your health. I have, after many troubles gained you and have formed many hopes in you. O child, it does not befit you to foresake me who is helpless, alone and unprotected, at the unkind words of my rival (your stepmother). You are a boy of five years old. Such a hard penance is not for you. Therefore, desist from such fearful practices which are not productive. This is the time of youthful pastime for you, then comes the season for study, then the period of worldly enjoyment and lastly, that of austere devotion. Oh my boy, you are but a child, this is the season of play for you. Then why have you engaged in asceticism to destroy yourself ? Your chief duty consists in your devotion to me now. Engage in such works as it benefits your age and circumstance. Do not be guided by bewildering error and desist from such unrighteous actions. If you don't renounce these devout austerities today, I will terminate my life in front of you.

The Kushmandas, in company with Indra, assuming various shapes, actively engaged in distracting Dhruva. One, assuming the shape of his mother Suniti, stood before him with tears in his eyes saying,<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>पुत्रकास्मान्निवर्त्तस्व शरीरव्ययदारुणात् । निर्बन्धतो मया लब्धो बहुभिस्त्वं मनोरथैः ।। १५ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>दीनामेकां परित्यक्तुमनाथां न त्वमर्हसि । सपत्रीवचनाद् वत्स अगतेस्तं गतिर्मम ।। १६ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>क्व च त्वं पञ्चवर्षीयः क्व चैतद् दारुणां तपः । निवर्त्त्यतां मनः कष्टान्निर्वन्धात् फलार्वाज्जतात ।। १७ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>कालः क्रीड़नकानां ते तदन्तेऽध्ययनस्य च । ततः समस्तभोगानां तदन्ते चेष्यते तपः ।। १८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>कालक्रीड़नकाना यस्तव बालस्य पुत्रक । तस्मिंस्त्वमित्थं तपसि किं नाशायात्मनो रतः ।। १९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>मत्प्रीतिः परमो धर्म्मो वयोऽवर्त्तास्मादधर्मतः ।। २० ।।</blockquote><blockquote>परित्यजति वत्साद्य यद्यतन्न भवांस्तपः । त्यक्ष्याम्यहमपि प्राणांस्ततो वै पश्यतस्तव ।। २१ ।।<ref name=":3">Vishnu Purana, Prathama Amsha, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''putrakāsmānnivarttasva śarīravyayadāruṇāt । nirbandhato mayā labdho bahubhistvaṁ manorathaiḥ ।। 15 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''dīnāmekāṁ parityaktumanāthāṁ na tvamarhasi । sapatrīvacanād vatsa agatestaṁ gatirmama ।। 16 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kva ca tvaṁ pañcavarṣīyaḥ kva caitad dāruṇāṁ tapaḥ । nivarttyatāṁ manaḥ kaṣṭānnirvandhāt phalārvājjatāta ।। 17 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kālaḥ krīḍa़nakānāṁ te tadante'dhyayanasya ca । tataḥ samastabhogānāṁ tadante ceṣyate tapaḥ ।। 18 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''kālakrīḍa़nakānā yastava bālasya putraka । tasmiṁstvamitthaṁ tapasi kiṁ nāśāyātmano rataḥ ।। 19 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''matprītiḥ paramo dharmmo vayo'varttāsmādadharmataḥ ।। 20 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''parityajati vatsādya yadyatanna bhavāṁstapaḥ । tyakṣyāmyahamapi prāṇāṁstato vai paśyatastava ।। 21 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: My son, desist from this penance that is destroying your health. I have, after many troubles gained you and have formed many hopes in you. O child, it does not befit you to foresake me who is helpless, alone and unprotected, at the unkind words of my rival (your stepmother). You are a boy of five years old. Such a hard penance is not for you. Therefore, desist from such fearful practices which are not productive. This is the time of youthful pastime for you, then comes the season for study, then the period of worldly enjoyment and lastly, that of austere devotion. Oh my boy, you are but a child, this is the season of play for you. Then why have you engaged in asceticism to destroy yourself ? Your chief duty consists in your devotion to me now. Engage in such works as it benefits your age and circumstance. Do not be guided by bewildering error and desist from such unrighteous actions. If you don't renounce these devout austerities today, I will terminate my life in front of you.

Thus, those rakshasas with faces of lions, camels and crocodiles, howled about to strike terror into the heart of the prince. But these illusions of rakshasas and jackals, their cries and weapons made no impression upon his senses whose mind was completely given up to the meditation of Govinda.<ref name=":3" />

Thus, those rakshasas with faces of lions, camels and crocodiles, howled about to strike terror into the heart of the prince. But these illusions of rakshasas and jackals, their cries and weapons made no impression upon his senses whose mind was completely given up to the meditation of Govinda.<ref name=":3" />

Therefore, the celestials were greatly disturbed and approached Sri Hari for help. They said,<blockquote>दिने दिने कलालेशौः शशाङ्कः पूर्यते यथा । तथायं तपसा देव प्रयात्यृद्धिमहर्निशम् ।। ३४ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>औत्तानपादितपसा वयमित्थं जनार्दन । भीतास्त्वां शरणं यातास्तपसस्तं निवर्त्तय ।। ३५ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>न विङ्मः किं स शक्रत्वं किं सूर्यत्वमभीप्सति । वित्तापाम्बुपसोमानां साबिलाषः पदे नु किम् ।। ३६ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''dine dine kalāleśauḥ śaśāṅkaḥ pūryate yathā । tathāyaṁ tapasā deva prayātyr̥ddhimaharniśam ।। 34 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''auttānapāditapasā vayamitthaṁ janārdana । bhītāstvāṁ śaraṇaṁ yātāstapasastaṁ nivarttaya ।। 35 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''na viṅmaḥ kiṁ sa śakratvaṁ kiṁ sūryatvamabhīpsati । vittāpāmbupasomānāṁ sābilāṣaḥ pade nu kim ।। 36 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: As the moon increases in his orb day by day, so is this boy approaching superhuman power by his devotion. O Janardana, we have been greatly alarmed by the devout austerities of the son of Uttanapada and have taken your refuge; you please desist him from his devout exercises. We do not know whose position he aspires - whether the throne of Shakra (Indra), of the Sun, of the lord of wealth or that of Varuna (the lord of water).  

Therefore, the celestials were greatly disturbed and approached Sri Hari for help. They said,<blockquote>दिने दिने कलालेशौः शशाङ्कः पूर्यते यथा । तथायं तपसा देव प्रयात्यृद्धिमहर्निशम् ।। ३४ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>औत्तानपादितपसा वयमित्थं जनार्दन । भीतास्त्वां शरणं यातास्तपसस्तं निवर्त्तय ।। ३५ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>न विङ्मः किं स शक्रत्वं किं सूर्यत्वमभीप्सति । वित्तापाम्बुपसोमानां साबिलाषः पदे नु किम् ।। ३६ ।।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>''dine dine kalāleśauḥ śaśāṅkaḥ pūryate yathā । tathāyaṁ tapasā deva prayātyr̥ddhimaharniśam ।। 34 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''auttānapāditapasā vayamitthaṁ janārdana । bhītāstvāṁ śaraṇaṁ yātāstapasastaṁ nivarttaya ।। 35 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''na viṅmaḥ kiṁ sa śakratvaṁ kiṁ sūryatvamabhīpsati । vittāpāmbupasomānāṁ sābilāṣaḥ pade nu kim ।। 36 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: As the moon increases in his orb day by day, so is this boy approaching superhuman power by his devotion. O Janardana, we have been greatly alarmed by the devout austerities of the son of Uttanapada and have taken your refuge; you please desist him from his devout exercises. We do not know whose position he aspires - whether the throne of Shakra (Indra), of the Sun, of the lord of wealth or that of Varuna (the lord of water).<ref name=":1" />

Mahavishnu replied that,<blockquote>नेन्द्रत्वं न च सूर्यत्वं नैवाम्बुपधनेशताम् । प्रार्थायत्येष यं कामं तं करोम्यखिलं सुराः ।। ३८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>यात देवा यथाकामं स्वस्थानं विगतज्वराः । निवर्त्तयाम्यहं बाल तपस्यासक्तमानसम् ।। ३९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''nendratvaṁ na ca sūryatvaṁ naivāmbupadhaneśatām । prārthāyatyeṣa yaṁ kāmaṁ taṁ karom‌yakhilaṁ surāḥ ।। 38 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''yāta devā yathākāmaṁ svasthānaṁ vigatajvarāḥ । nivarttayāmyahaṁ bāla tapasyāsaktamānasam ।। 39 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: He does not aspire to the throne of Indra, nor to the sovereignty of the solar orb, nor to the rank of the lord of riches. I shall soon confer on him, what he desires to have. Removed of your anxiety, you all proceed to your respective quarters - I shall soon desist that boy whose mind is wholly engrossed  with devout meditation.

Mahavishnu replied that,<blockquote>नेन्द्रत्वं न च सूर्यत्वं नैवाम्बुपधनेशताम् । प्रार्थायत्येष यं कामं तं करोम्यखिलं सुराः ।। ३८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>यात देवा यथाकामं स्वस्थानं विगतज्वराः । निवर्त्तयाम्यहं बाल तपस्यासक्तमानसम् ।। ३९ ।।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>''nendratvaṁ na ca sūryatvaṁ naivāmbupadhaneśatām । prārthāyatyeṣa yaṁ kāmaṁ taṁ karom‌yakhilaṁ surāḥ ।। 38 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''yāta devā yathākāmaṁ svasthānaṁ vigatajvarāḥ । nivarttayāmyahaṁ bāla tapasyāsaktamānasam ।। 39 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: He does not aspire to the throne of Indra, nor to the sovereignty of the solar orb, nor to the rank of the lord of riches. I shall soon confer on him, what he desires to have. Removed of your anxiety, you all proceed to your respective quarters - I shall soon desist that boy whose mind is wholly engrossed  with devout meditation.

Being thus pacified by Vishnu, as the celestials returned to their abode, Vishnu, being pleased with Dhruva's whole minded devotedness to him, approached him and offered Dhruva a boon. Hearing this, Dhruva who was overcome with awe said, <blockquote>भगवन् यदि मे तोषं तपसा परमं गतः । स्तोतुं तदहमिच्छामि वरमेतं प्रयच्छ मे ।। ४८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>ब्रह्माद्यर्व्वेदवेदज्ञैर्ज्ञायते यस्य नो गतिः । तं त्वां कथमहं देव स्तोतुं शक्रोमि बालकः ।। ४९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>त्वदूभक्तिप्रवणां ह्मतत् परमेश्वर मे मनः । स्तोतुं प्रवृत्तं त्वत्पादौ तत्र प्रज्ञां प्रयटच्छ मे ।। ५० ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''bhagavan yadi me toṣaṁ tapasā paramaṁ gataḥ । stotuṁ tadahamicchāmi varametaṁ prayaccha me ।। 48 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''brahmādyarvvedavedajñairjñāyate yasya no gatiḥ । taṁ tvāṁ kathamahaṁ deva stotuṁ śakromi bālakaḥ ।। 49 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''tvadūbhaktipravaṇāṁ hmatat parameśvara me manaḥ । stotuṁ pravr̥ttaṁ tvatpādau tatra prajñāṁ prayaṭaccha me ।। 50 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: O great lord, if you are greatly pleased with my devout exercise, please do confer upon me the boon that I may praise you whenever I wish. I am but a boy. How shall I be able to sing your glory whom even the great sages like Brahma conversant with Vedas have not been able to know sufficiently. My heart is filled with devotion to you and so, O lord, grant me the understanding of placing my praises at your feet.

Being thus pacified by Vishnu, as the celestials returned to their abode, Vishnu, being pleased with Dhruva's whole minded devotedness to him, approached him and offered Dhruva a boon. Hearing this, Dhruva who was overcome with awe said,<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>भगवन् यदि मे तोषं तपसा परमं गतः । स्तोतुं तदहमिच्छामि वरमेतं प्रयच्छ मे ।। ४८ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>ब्रह्माद्यर्व्वेदवेदज्ञैर्ज्ञायते यस्य नो गतिः । तं त्वां कथमहं देव स्तोतुं शक्रोमि बालकः ।। ४९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>त्वदूभक्तिप्रवणां ह्मतत् परमेश्वर मे मनः । स्तोतुं प्रवृत्तं त्वत्पादौ तत्र प्रज्ञां प्रयटच्छ मे ।। ५० ।।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>''bhagavan yadi me toṣaṁ tapasā paramaṁ gataḥ । stotuṁ tadahamicchāmi varametaṁ prayaccha me ।। 48 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''brahmādyarvvedavedajñairjñāyate yasya no gatiḥ । taṁ tvāṁ kathamahaṁ deva stotuṁ śakromi bālakaḥ ।। 49 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''tvadūbhaktipravaṇāṁ hmatat parameśvara me manaḥ । stotuṁ pravr̥ttaṁ tvatpādau tatra prajñāṁ prayaṭaccha me ।। 50 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: O great lord, if you are greatly pleased with my devout exercise, please do confer upon me the boon that I may praise you whenever I wish. I am but a boy. How shall I be able to sing your glory whom even the great sages like Brahma conversant with Vedas have not been able to know sufficiently. My heart is filled with devotion to you and so, O lord, grant me the understanding of placing my praises at your feet.

Govinda, the lord of the world, then touched the son of Uttanapada with the tip of his conch-shell, and immediately the prince, bending low his head, began singing the [[Vishnu Stuti by Dhruva (ध्रुवस्य विष्णुस्तुतिः)|praise of Lord Vishnu]].

Govinda, the lord of the world, then touched the son of Uttanapada with the tip of his conch-shell, and immediately the prince, bending low his head, began singing the [[Vishnu Stuti by Dhruva (ध्रुवस्य विष्णुस्तुतिः)|praise of Lord Vishnu]].<ref name=":1" />

== भगवदनुग्रहः ॥ Grace of the Lord ==

== भगवदनुग्रहः ॥ Grace of the Lord ==

As Dhruva sang the praise of Mahavishnu, being pleased, the Lord said,<blockquote>तपसस्तु फलं प्राप्तं यदू दृष्टोऽहं त्वया ध्रुव । मदूदर्शनं हि विफलं राजपुत्र न जायते ।। ७६ ।</blockquote><blockquote>वरं वरय तस्मात् त्वं यथाभिमतमात्मनः ।। सर्वं संपद्यते पुंसां मयि दृष्टिपथं गते ।। ७७ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''tapasastu phalaṁ prāptaṁ yadū dr̥ṣṭo'haṁ tvayā dhruva । madūdarśanaṁ hi viphalaṁ rājaputra na jāyate ।। 76 ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''varaṁ varaya tasmāt tvaṁ yathābhimatamātmanaḥ ।। sarvaṁ saṁpadyate puṁsāṁ mayi dr̥ṣṭipathaṁ gate ।। 77 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: O Dhruva, your devotion has been crowned with success today since you have beheld me. The sight of me is never devoid of results. Ask therefore, of me, whatever boon you desire. For, whenever I appear before men, all their wishes are satisfied.  

As Dhruva sang the praise of Mahavishnu, being pleased, the Lord said,<blockquote>तपसस्तु फलं प्राप्तं यदू दृष्टोऽहं त्वया ध्रुव । मदूदर्शनं हि विफलं राजपुत्र न जायते ।। ७६ ।</blockquote><blockquote>वरं वरय तस्मात् त्वं यथाभिमतमात्मनः ।। सर्वं संपद्यते पुंसां मयि दृष्टिपथं गते ।। ७७ ।।<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>''tapasastu phalaṁ prāptaṁ yadū dr̥ṣṭo'haṁ tvayā dhruva । madūdarśanaṁ hi viphalaṁ rājaputra na jāyate ।। 76 ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''varaṁ varaya tasmāt tvaṁ yathābhimatamātmanaḥ ।। sarvaṁ saṁpadyate puṁsāṁ mayi dr̥ṣṭipathaṁ gate ।। 77 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: O Dhruva, your devotion has been crowned with success today since you have beheld me. The sight of me is never devoid of results. Ask therefore, of me, whatever boon you desire. For, whenever I appear before men, all their wishes are satisfied.  

 

Encouraged thus, Dhruva then asked for an exalted station which surpasses all others and is the support of the universe and shall last forever. He says,<blockquote>आधारभूतं जगतः सर्वेषामुत्तमोत्तमम् । प्रार्थयामि प्रभो स्थानं त्वत्प्रसादादतोऽव्ययम् ।। ८२ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''ādhārabhūtaṁ jagataḥ sarveṣāmuttamottamam । prārthayāmi prabho sthānaṁ tvatprasādādato'vyayam ।। 82 ।।''</blockquote>But that which would have been thought a great boon by others, birth in the race of Svāyambhuva, you have not so considered, and therefore have propitiated me. The man who worships me obtains speedy liberation from life. What is heaven to one whose mind is fixed on me? A station shall be assigned to thee, Dhruva, above the three worlds^[8]; one in which thou shalt sustain the stars and the planets; a station above those of the sun, the moon, Mars, the son of Soma (Mercury), Venus, the son of Sūrya(Saturn), and all the other constellations; above the regions of the seven Ṛṣis, and the divinities who traverse the atmosphere^[9]. Some celestial beings endure for four ages; some for the reign of a Manu: to thee shall be granted the duration of a Kalpa. Thy mother Sunīti, in the orb of a bright star, shall abide near thee for a similar term; and all those who, with minds attentive, shall glorify thee at dawn or at eventide, shall acquire exceeding religious merit.

Birth in the race of Svayambhuva is considered as a great boon by others and for this I was propitiated by you (in your previous birth). But now, you are not valuing it so much. The man who worships me obtains, in no time, liberation from life. What is the abode of celestials to one whose mind is centered in me. Therefore, you shall, by my grace, attain a position which is above the three world and become the abode of stars and the planets. I confer upon you, O Dhruva, a station which is above those of the Sun, the Moon, stars, the son of Soma (Mercury), Venus, the son of Surya (Saturn) and all the other constellations; above the regions of the seven rshis, and the divinities who traverse the atmosphere. Some celestials live for four ages; some for the reign of a Manu, but you shall live the duration of a Kalpa. Your mother Suniti too, in the form of a bright star, shall abide near you for a similar term. And all those who, with concentrated minds, sing your glory morning and evening, shall acquire exceeding religious merit.

Thus the sage Dhruva, having received a boon from Janārddana, the god of gods, and lord of the world, resides in an exalted station. Beholding his glory, Uśanas, the preceptor of the gods and demons, repeated these verses: ”Wonderful is the efficacy of this penance, marvellous is its reward, that the seven Ṛṣis should be preceded by Dhruva. This too is the pious Sunīti, his parent, who is called Sūnritā^[10]." Who can celebrate her greatness, who, having given birth to Dhruva, has become the asylum of the three worlds, enjoying to all future time an elevated station, a station eminent above all? He who shall worthily describe the ascent into the sky of Dhruva, for ever shall be freed from all sin, and enjoy the heaven of Indra. Whatever be his dignity, whether upon earth or in heaven, he shall never fall from it, but shall long enjoy life, possessed of every blessing^[11].

Thus, the sage Dhruva, having received this boon from Janardana, attained this exalted position. <ref name=":1" />

== पूर्वजन्म ॥ Previous Birth ==

== पूर्वजन्म ॥ Previous Birth ==

As Dhruva asked the Lord for an exalted position as the boon, Mahavishnu says that Dhruva will surely attain the position he is asking for as he was satisfied with Dhruva even in his previous birth. The Lord then gives an account of Dhruva's previous birth as follows. He says,  

As Dhruva asked the Lord for an exalted position as the boon, Mahavishnu says that Dhruva will surely attain the position he is asking for as he was satisfied with Dhruva even in his previous birth. The Lord then gives an account of Dhruva's previous birth as follows. He says,  

You were, in your previous existence, a Brahmana, devoted with all your heart to me, ever dutiful to your parents and always fulfilling your duties. In course of time, a prince became your friend, who was in the period of youth and indulged in all sensual pleasures. He had a good appearance and bright form. While in his company and beholding his riches, hard to acquire, you did desire that you might be born as the son of a king. It is by virtue of that desire that you are born as a prince in the mansion of Uttanapada which cannot be easily obtained.  

You were, in your previous existence, a Brahmana, devoted with all your heart to me, ever dutiful to your parents and always fulfilling your duties. In course of time, a prince became your friend, who was in the period of youth and indulged in all sensual pleasures. He had a good appearance and bright form. While in his company and beholding his riches, hard to acquire, you did desire that you might be born as the son of a king. It is by virtue of that desire that you are born as a prince in the mansion of Uttanapada which cannot be easily obtained.<ref name=":1" />

 

Beholding his glory, Uśanas, the preceptor of the gods and demons, repeated these verses: ”Wonderful is the efficacy of this penance, marvellous is its reward, that the seven Ṛṣis should be preceded by Dhruva. This too is the pious Sunīti, his parent, who is called Sūnritā^[10]." Who can celebrate her greatness, who, having given birth to Dhruva, has become the asylum of the three worlds, enjoying to all future time an elevated station, a station eminent above all? He who shall worthily describe the ascent into the sky of Dhruva, for ever shall be freed from all sin, and enjoy the heaven of Indra. Whatever be his dignity, whether upon earth or in heaven, he shall never fall from it, but shall long enjoy life, possessed of every blessing^[11].  

Chapter 13 - Posterity of Dhruva

[https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/vishnu-purana-wilson/d/doc115947.html Vishnu Purana] - Chapter 12 - Dhruva commences a course of religious austerities

''Parāśara said'' : The sons of Dhruva, by his wife Śambhu, were Bhavya and Sliṣṭi. Succāyā, the wife of the latter, was the mother of five virtuous sons, Ripu, Ripuñjaya, Vipra, Vrikala, and Vrikatejas. The son of Ripu, by Vrihatī, was the illustrious Cakṣuṣa, who begot the Manu Cākṣuṣa on Puṣkariṇī, of the family of Varuṇa, the daughter of the venerable patriarch Anaraṇya. The Manu had, by his wife Navalā, the daughter of the patriarch Vairāja, ten noble sons, Uru, Pura, Satadyumna, Tapasvī, Satyavāk, Kavi, Agniṣṭoma, Atirātra, Sudyumna, and Abhimanyu. The wife of Uru, Āgneyī, bore six excellent sons, Anga, Sumanas, Svāti, Kratu, Aṅgiras, and Śiva. Anga had, by his wife Sunīthā, only one son, named Veṇa, whose right arm was rubbed by the Ṛṣis, for the purpose of producing from it progeny. From the arm of Veṇa, thus rubbed, sprang a celebrated monarch, named Prithu, by whom, in olden time, the earth was milked for the advantage of mankind^[1].

''Parāśara said'' : The sons of Dhruva, by his wife Śambhu, were Bhavya and Sliṣṭi. Succāyā, the wife of the latter, was the mother of five virtuous sons, Ripu, Ripuñjaya, Vipra, Vrikala, and Vrikatejas. The son of Ripu, by Vrihatī, was the illustrious Cakṣuṣa, who begot the Manu Cākṣuṣa on Puṣkariṇī, of the family of Varuṇa, the daughter of the venerable patriarch Anaraṇya. The Manu had, by his wife Navalā, the daughter of the patriarch Vairāja, ten noble sons, Uru, Pura, Satadyumna, Tapasvī, Satyavāk, Kavi, Agniṣṭoma, Atirātra, Sudyumna, and Abhimanyu. The wife of Uru, Āgneyī, bore six excellent sons, Anga, Sumanas, Svāti, Kratu, Aṅgiras, and Śiva. Anga had, by his wife Sunīthā, only one son, named Veṇa, whose right arm was rubbed by the Ṛṣis, for the purpose of producing from it progeny. From the arm of Veṇa, thus rubbed, sprang a celebrated monarch, named Prithu, by whom, in olden time, the earth was milked for the advantage of mankind^[1].

Notes : The Matsya, Brāhma, and Vāyu Purāṇas speak of but one wife of Uttānapāda, and call her Sunritā: they say also that she had four sons, Apaspati (or Vasu), Ayushmanta, Kīrttimat, and Dhruva. The Bhāgavata, Padma, and Nāradīya have the same account as that of the text. The instructions of the Ṛṣis amount to the performance of the Yoga. External impressions are first to be obviated by particular positions, modes of breathing, &c.: the mind must then be fixed on the object of meditation; this is Dhārana: next comes the meditation, or Dhyāna; and then the Japa, or inaudible repetition of a Mantra, or short prayer; as in the text. The subject of the Yoga is more fully detailed in a subsequent book. The legend of Dhruva is narrated in the Bhāgavata, Padma (Swerga Khaṇḍa), Agni, and Nāradīya, much to the same purport, and partly in the same words, as our text. The Brāhma and its double the Hari Vanśa, the Matsya, and Vāyu merely allude to Dhruva's having been transferred by Brahmā to the skies, in reward of his austerities.<ref name=":1" />

Notes : The Matsya, Brāhma, and Vāyu Purāṇas speak of but one wife of Uttānapāda, and call her Sunritā: they say also that she had four sons, Apaspati (or Vasu), Ayushmanta, Kīrttimat, and Dhruva. The Bhāgavata, Padma, and Nāradīya have the same account as that of the text. The instructions of the Ṛṣis amount to the performance of the Yoga. External impressions are first to be obviated by particular positions, modes of breathing, &c.: the mind must then be fixed on the object of meditation; this is Dhārana: next comes the meditation, or Dhyāna; and then the Japa, or inaudible repetition of a Mantra, or short prayer; as in the text. The subject of the Yoga is more fully detailed in a subsequent book. The legend of Dhruva is narrated in the Bhāgavata, Padma (Swerga Khaṇḍa), Agni, and Nāradīya, much to the same purport, and partly in the same words, as our text. The Brāhma and its double the Hari Vanśa, the Matsya, and Vāyu merely allude to Dhruva's having been transferred by Brahmā to the skies, in reward of his austerities.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==

== References ==