THE SET STAR

There are certain constants in all our lives. Things, people, memories, beliefs that stay, no matter what. They’re the determined, unmoving, steady rocks you rest on; the sea you stare at; the sun you know will rise when you watch it setting; the one star that you always make a wish upon, tell your secrets to and consider your finest friend. The Northern Star.

It was named after a boy of similar repute. Dhruva was resolute and persevered for his rightful place on earth and extraordinarily, in the sky.

Dhruva was born to Queen Suniti and King Uttanapada. Whilst still an infant, he was banished to live in the forest with his mother on the insistence of the King’s second wife, Suruchi. She had borne a son too – Uttama – and wished for him to inherit the throne which was lawfully Dhruva’s. The King, disarmed by the beauty and persuasion of Suruchi, ordered his Queen and first born to be exiled.

Queen Suniti and nature had raised a bright and bold boy. One day, at the age of about seven, Dhruva inquired about his father. Conceivably, he requested permission to meet the King. Suniti couldn’t keep the boy from his father and hence, didn’t refuse.

At the palace, eye to eye with Uttanapada, Dhruva introduced himself, “Oh King! Do you recognize me? I am your son.” His father, teeming with joy, embraced his son and then placed him on his lap.

They had only just reunited when Suruchi stormed into the scene with little Uttama. She wrenched Dhruva off her husband’s lap and put Uttama onto it. Dhruva was heavily chided for returning to the palace in words that could crush a child, everlastingly. She squealed, “There is no place for you or your mother here in the palace. Only Uttama belongs on the King’s lap. You were sent away for the rest of your life. Don’t you ever come back!”

And the King just sat there, torn between his two families. However, succumbing to the tantrums of his younger wife, once again.

Removed from the palace so dishonourably, Dhruva was humiliated. Although calm as ever, a fire had been ignited in him. He swore to gain his desired and deserved place beside his father. And he wished the same for his mother.

Upon returning to the forest, he asked the Queen, “Ma, who is more powerful than the King?”

A devotee herself, she told him Lord Vishnu is.

“Where does he live?”, Dhruva then asked.

“Far, far away in the mountains”, the queen joked innocently.

That night, when his mother fell asleep, Dhruva began his journey, trekking through the forest and up mountains, to find the Lord.

He laboured through the thicket and prevailed upon the treacherous trail, meditating upon Vishnu. The preserver of the world would’ve preserved his place in it, Dhruva hoped. He would restore justice and bring his family back together.

Upon arriving at the edge of the northern sky, he encountered Sage Narada. Hearing the little boy’s story, the sage advised him to stay right where he was, “think only of Narayana, and have patience. You will find him.”

Doing exactly as he was told, Dhruva meditated, thinking only of the Lord. His concentrated efforts released tremendous positive energy. The very earth shook and disturbed the Sapta Rishis meditating nearby. The strength of little Dhruva’s prayers drew the seven sages to partake in his earnest exercise. They surrounded him and furthered his resolve.

The King of Gods, Indra, ruffled by the boy’s dedication, falsely assumed Dhruva was after his throne and made multiple attempts to impede his practice. Dhruva was unaffected by weather fluctuations, evil spirits, poisonous creatures, vicious beasts and even desperate cries from his mother to return home – all of Indra’s ploys.

Eventually and finally, the Lord appeared before him, immensely impressed by the indomitable will of this seven-something year old, eager to grant him what he wants.

“I am here, Dhruva. Such steadiness of purpose shall surely be rewarded.”

Dhruva smiled the brightest smile ever beheld.

And so, Vishnu not only restored him to where he truly belonged, by his father, with his mother as Queen and a future as King but also as a Pole Star, glowing at the North Pole, the highest position in the sky. This star has remained and forever will, for it is the “Dhruva Tara”, a symbol of endurance. Seven stars form a constellation around it. They are the Sapta Rishis that encircled the dedicated Dhruva.

With the love of his father, Dhruva grew and ruled with courage and kindness. That luminosity lives even today. Just look up and you’ll see the light.

DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is merely an opinion and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, organisation, company or individual. Nothing contained herein shall to any extent substitute for the independent investigations and sound judgment of the reader. While we have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content contained herein, no warranty or guarantee, express or implied, is given with respect to the same. The SHOUT! Network is neither liable nor responsible to any person or entity for any errors or omissions, or for any offense caused from such content.
In addition to the above, thoughts and opinions change from time to time… we consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind. This website is intended to provide a semi-permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various topics running around our brains, and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed within out-of-date posts may not be the same, or even similar, to those we may hold today.
Feel free to challenge us, disagree with us, or tell us we’re completely nuts in the comments section of each piece. The SHOUT! Network reserves the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) – but do SHOUT! with us, if you will.