A Realm Beyond Brahmā - The Spiritual Fulfillment of What Dhruva Wanted
The journey of the young prince Dhruva begins at a crossroads of material ambition and spiritual potential. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the specific nature of Dhruva wants was initially shaped by a desire for revenge and the longing for a kingdom greater than any achieved by his forefathers. However, this narration is not merely about a boy getting a kingdom; it is about the transformation of the human heart through the touch of the Divine. This article examines the progression of Dhruva’s desires and how they were ultimately fulfilled by a spiritual reward that far exceeded his original imagination.
The Ambition for a Higher Kingdom
At the start of his quest, Dhruva Mahārāja was motivated by his status as a kṣatriya. After being insulted by his stepmother and ignored by his father, he resolved to achieve a position better than his great-grandfather’s. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that at heart Dhruva wants represented a natural desire for power and name within the material universe. He did not seek the Lord out of unalloyed love but out of a need to excel everyone in his family, including Lord Brahmā. This "impossible proposition" became the catalyst that drove him into the forest to execute severe austerities.
- At heart Dhruva Maharaja wanted a kingdom that would be far better than Brahmaloka. This was a natural desire for a ksatriya.
- Dhruva Maharaja did not desire in the beginning to engage in the service of the Lord, but he wanted an exalted position better than his great-grandfather's. This is more or less not service to the Lord but service to the senses.
- Dhruva Maharaja wanted a position greater than that of Brahma. This was practically an impossible proposition, but by pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead a devotee can achieve even the impossible.
- Dhruva wanted the best of all planets, and although it was a childish prayer, the Lord satisfied his demand.
From Broken Glass to Many Diamonds
The most striking aspect of Dhruva Mahārāja is the realization that occurs upon achieving the goal. When the Lord finally appeared as the four-handed Viṣṇu, the young prince’s material contamination was cleared. He realized that his previous hankerings were like a poor man asking an emperor for a few grains of rice. Instead of demanding the kingdom he had spent months suffering for, he confessed his "complete foolishness." He had found a "valuable gem" in the Lord's presence and realized that the material kingdom he once sought was merely broken glass.
- It is described that after the appearance of the Lord, when Dhruva Maharaja thought and compared his determination to his final reward, he realized that he had wanted a few particles of broken glass but instead had received many diamonds.
- Even great demigods and sages have difficulty in seeing You (Krsna). Now I (Dhruva Maharaja) am pleased, and all my desires are satisfied. I do not want anything else. I was searching for some broken glass, but instead I have found a great and valuable gem.
- Dhruva Maharaja regrets that he wanted material opulence and greater prosperity than that of his great-grandfather, Lord Brahma. His begging from the Lord was like a poor man's asking a great emperor for a few grains of broken rice.
- Dhruva Maharaja went to the forest to achieve some material result by austerity and penance, but when he actually saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead he said, "I do not want any material benediction. I am completely satisfied."
Perfection of Satisfied Desire
Ultimately, Dhruva Mahārāja became an akama-bhakta, a devotee without any motive other than service. While he initially refused any material benediction, the Lord awarded him both—a spiritual body and a residence that surpasses any ever occupied by his family. This residence is Dhruvaloka, the polestar. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that Dhruva’s final and most important desire was for the association of pure devotees, which he described as being like the waves of an incessantly flowing river. This stage, called pañcama-puruṣārtha, is the pinnacle of spiritual fulfillment where one is satisfied simply to serve the Lord's lotus feet.
- Dhruva Maharaja explicitly wanted the association of devotees. That association in devotional activities is just like the waves of an incessantly flowing river.
- Dhruva Maharaja wanted a benediction which surpasses even the highest purusartha, liberation. He wanted the benediction that he might constantly remember the lotus feet of the Lord. This stage of life is called pancama-purusartha.
- When he (Dhruva Maharaja) actually saw Krsna, he said, - I do not want anything from You. I don't want any benediction other than Your service.
- Finally he (Dhruva Maharaja) became an akama-bhakta and said to the Lord, svamin krtartho'smi varam na yace: (CC Madhya 22.42) "My dear Lord, I am very satisfied simply to serve Your lotus feet. I do not want any material benefits."
Conclusion
The story of how Dhruva wants were fulfilled provides a blueprint for every practitioner. It teaches that while we may approach the Lord with material motives, the process of devotional service is so potent that it purifies our heart of all "broken glass" hankerings. By following the directions of a spiritual master like Nārada Muni, even a child can attain the "valuable diamond" of Kṛṣṇa’s association. In the end, Dhruva Mahārāja’s example shows that the Lord does not disappoint anyone who takes shelter of His lotus feet, awarding them a spiritual destination from which they never return to the material world.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Dhruva Wants. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.