The Story of Dhruva – The Boy Who Won an Eternal Place in the Heavens

King Uttanapada had two queens — Suniti and Suruchi. Suruchi was the king’s favourite, and her son was Uttama. Suniti, though noble and gentle, did not receive the same affection, and her son Dhruva often felt neglected.

The Pain of Little Dhruva

One day, the king lovingly seated Uttama on his lap. Little Dhruva approached with innocent eagerness, wishing to sit on his father’s lap too. But the king ignored him. Suruchi, seeing Dhruva’s desire, spoke harshly: “You cannot sit on the king’s lap. You are not born of my womb. If you want the throne, pray to Lord Vishnu, be born again through me, and only then will you deserve it!”

Humiliated, Dhruva ran to his mother Suniti in tears. Suniti embraced him gently and said: “My child, never wish harm upon anyone. If you seek a high position, worship Lord Hari. Only He can remove our sorrow.”

Her words lit a determination in Dhruva’s heart. Without delay, the five-year-old prince left the palace to perform penance.

Dhruva Meets Narada

In the forest, Sage Narada saw the radiant child wandering alone. Dhruva narrated everything. Narada first tried to dissuade him, saying that winning the grace of the Supreme is extremely difficult even for great sages.

But Dhruva replied: “Revered Sir, my heart has been wounded. I seek a place higher than anything my ancestors have attained. Please show me the right path.”

Seeing Dhruva’s steadfast resolve, Narada taught him the sacred mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

He instructed Dhruva to meditate on Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Yamuna and worship with pure devotion. Dhruva saluted the sage and began his tapas.

Narada then went to King Uttanapada and narrated everything. Hearing this, the king repented deeply for his behaviour toward Suniti and Dhruva.

Dhruva’s Intense Penance

Dhruva began severe penance exactly as Narada had instructed:

First month: ate fruits once every three days

Second month: ate dry leaves once every six days

Third month: drank water once every nine days

Fourth month: lived only on air once every twelve days

Fifth month: stood on one leg, completely absorbed in meditation

His tapas shook the three worlds. All beings felt suffocated as Dhruva withdrew his senses from the world. Alarmed, the gods approached Lord Vishnu, requesting Him to protect creation.

Vishnu reassured them and flew on Garuda to see His young devotee.

The Lord Appears Before Dhruva

When Lord Vishnu appeared before him, Dhruva opened his eyes in divine astonishment. Words failed him until the Lord touched his cheek with the conch, giving him the power to praise.

Pleased with Dhruva’s devotion, Vishnu said: “Dear child, you desire a position most difficult to obtain. I grant you the eternal pole-star, Dhruva-loka — a place that remains even after creation dissolves.

Rule the earth righteously for 36,000 years. In the end, remembering Me, you shall reach that eternal abode.”

Dhruva bowed with gratitude. The hatred he once held toward Suruchi melted away. He repented for having asked for a position rather than seeking liberation — yet the Lord had already blessed him.

Dhruva returned to the capital as commanded by the Lord.

Dhruva’s Return and Later Life

Hearing of his son’s arrival, King Uttanapada joyously welcomed Dhruva along with ministers, sages, and citizens. Dhruva bowed at the feet of both his mothers. Even Suruchi blessed him warmly.

Years later, Dhruva married Bhrami, daughter of Prajapati Shishumara, and had two sons — Kalpa and Vatsara. From another wife, Ila Devi, he had a son Utkala and a daughter.

When his brother Uttama was killed by a Yaksha, Dhruva fought the Yakshas fiercely and even reached Kubera’s city. Sage Manu advised him to stop the war, and Dhruva obeyed. Pleased with his wisdom, Kubera offered a boon. Dhruva asked only: “May remembrance of the Lord always remain in my heart.”

Dhruva Attains Dhruva-loka

After ruling for many thousands of years, Dhruva handed over the kingdom to Utkala and went to Badrikashrama to meditate on the Lord.

One day, Vishnu’s attendants arrived in a celestial vimana and took Dhruva beyond the three worlds, past the Saptarishis, to the divine realm granted by Lord Vishnu Himself — the eternal Dhruva-loka.

Thus ends the sacred story of Dhruva, the child whose unwavering devotion earned him the most exalted place in the heavens.