Dhruv, child saint
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Briefly
Gauranga Darshan Das, Oct 28, 2023: The Times of India
The epic tale of Dhruva, son of King Uttanapada, in the Srimad Bhagavatam, contains a wealth of wisdom that comes handy even today. Picture five-year-old Dhruva, a child seeking solace through a simple gesture – attempting to sit on the lap of his father, King Uttanapada. Little did he know that this seemingly innocent act would set in motion a series of events that would shape the course of his life. His gesture was met with cold rejection from Queen Suruchi, known for her arrogance and her status as the king’s favourite consort.
In a moment of ruthless cruelty, Suruchi declared Dhruva as unworthy of his father’s lap, solely because he was born to an ‘unfortunate’ mother. This harsh rebuke stemmed from Suruchi’s deep-seated feeling of envy towards Suniti, Dhruva’s mother, a queen who had been neglected by the king.
Suruchi’s words remind us of the ruinous power of envy within relationships. Envy has the potential to inflict painful emotional wounds that can persist. Exercising restraint in our words and actions is essential if we are to preserve harmonious relationships.
The situation grew even more disheartening when King Uttanapada, someone with the authority and capability to intervene and resolve the matter, opted to remain silent in the face of Suruchi’s verbal attack. This silence, driven by his excessive attachment to this queen, highlighted a critical lapse in judgment and a failure of responsibility.
Insensitive behaviour within family relationships can leave lasting scars on the impressionable minds of the young. Dhruva found himself overwhelmed by emotions – anger, pain, and then frustration. Coping with such an emotionally charged situation was difficult for a five-year-old. His cries of anguish and smoldering resentment ultimately led him to his mother, Suniti, who awaited his arrival in her palace, surrounded by servants. Opulent palaces, luxurious amenities, and numerous attendants are of little value when the people we hold dear remain indifferent to our suffering. Suniti was in that very situation.
However, as a wise woman and an exemplary mother, Suniti quickly sensed Dhruva’s disappointment and the vengeful thoughts he harboured towards his step-mother, Suruchi. Recognising the urgency of the situation, she offered him much-needed emotional support, indicating its importance in nurturing enduring relationships.
Empathy, as powerful as it can be, found its true strength in Suniti’s actions. She not only understood Dhruva’s emo tional turmoil but also made it her priority to cleanse his impressionable heart of overwhelming negativity. While empathy is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, it should extend beyond comprehension to guide individuals toward finding solutions. In short, she advises him not to harbour any hatred in his heart but seek the shelter of the Divine instead, to fulfil any desire that he had.
Suniti’s wisdom served as a beacon, leading Dhruva on a journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Her guidance vividly illustrates the transformative potential of empathy, devotion, positive emotional redirection, and hope. Her character eventually transforms her husband and co-wife as well.
With the blessings and guidance of his mother, Dhruva was successful in receiving Vishnu’s rare boons in just six months. His story reveals that a combination of expert guidance and unwavering determination is sure to yield lasting success.
