Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 6
Dhruva-vaṁśa Continuation: Utkala’s Renunciation, Aṅga’s Sacrifice, and the Birth of Vena
Prelude to Pṛthu
मैत्रेय उवाच ध्रुवस्य चोत्कल: पुत्र: पितरि प्रस्थिते वनम् । सार्वभौमश्रियं नैच्छदधिराजासनं पितु: ॥ ६ ॥
maitreya uvāca dhruvasya cotkalaḥ putraḥ pitari prasthite vanam sārvabhauma-śriyaṁ naicchad adhirājāsanaṁ pituḥ
The great sage Maitreya replied: My dear Vidura, when Mahārāja Dhruva departed for the forest, his son, Utkala, did not desire to accept the opulent throne of his father, which was meant for the ruler of all the lands of this planet.
FAQs
This verse states that Utkala, though eligible for Dhruva’s imperial throne, did not desire universal sovereignty, showing detachment from worldly dominion.
Because Utkala was not attracted to political power or the splendor of rulership; his disposition was renounced, so he declined the imperial seat.
It teaches prioritizing spiritual goals over status—doing one’s duty without obsession for promotion, prestige, or control, and cultivating inner contentment.