Dhruva Bhakta Katha – Chapter 3: Dhruva's Rigorous Penance

Dhruva's Rigorous Penance

In the previous chapter, Narada Muni showed the path of devotion to Lord Vishnu to the child Dhruva and advised him to chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'. As soon as he entered the forest, Dhruva's heart was filled with determination, his only desire was to have a vision of Lord Vishnu.

Beginning of Severe Penance

Dhruva began his penance on the banks of the Yamuna River. His small body, which was still accustomed to royal pleasures, was now ready to face the harsh conditions of the forest. He spread a Kusha mat on the ground and sat in Padmasana, absorbed in meditation. His eyes were closed, and his mind was focused on only one goal – to have an audience with Lord Vishnu. He began chanting the mantra taught by Narada Muni. "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya… Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya…" His voice echoed in the forest.

As the days passed, Dhruva's penance became even more difficult. He first ate fruits and leaves for a few days, then he performed penance by drinking only water, and finally he gave up both food and water. His body had become weak, but his mind was becoming even more powerful. "O Lord, take me into your refuge," he prayed silently. "Give me your vision, O Merciful One."

Fear and Anxiety of the Gods

The fire of Dhruva's rigorous penance was so intense that even the heavenly realm was affected by it. The gods began to fear that Dhruva might snatch Indra's throne with his penance. All the gods, including Indra, became anxious. They prayed to Brahma for help.

Indra said to Brahma, "O Grandfather, this child's penance will bring destruction to the earth. We gods are also afraid of the power of his penance. Tell us a way to stop this child." Brahma assured the gods, "Do not worry. Dhruva's penance is only to have a vision of Lord Vishnu. He does not want your throne in any way. I myself will test his penance."

Vishnu Tests the Penance

Even after Brahma's assurance, the gods' fear did not subside, so Lord Vishnu himself decided to test Dhruva. He assumed a form of Maya (illusion) and appeared before Dhruva with a loud roar. Terrible creatures began to dance around him. Frightening voices began to come, making the atmosphere extremely terrifying.

This Maya was to break Dhruva's penance. Lord Vishnu tried to scare Dhruva in a মায়avi (illusory) voice, "O child, get up! This penance is not for you. You are still very young. Go back to your home and enjoy royal pleasures. This harsh life is not for you." But Dhruva remained steadfast. He did not open his eyes and his mind remained fixed on the meditation of Lord Vishnu. His devotion was so unwavering that no influence of Maya had any effect on him. His penance was progressing towards success. Now he will have the divine vision of Lord Vishnu in the next chapter.