Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 42
Dhruva’s Darśana, Transformative Prayers, and the Boon of the Dhruva-loka
Pole Star
तं दृष्ट्वोपवनाभ्याश आयान्तं तरसा रथात् । अवरुह्य नृपस्तूर्णमासाद्य प्रेमविह्वल: ॥ ४२ ॥ परिरेभेऽङ्गजं दोर्भ्यां दीर्घोत्कण्ठमना: श्वसन् । विष्वक्सेनाङ्घ्रिसंस्पर्शहताशेषाघबन्धनम् ॥ ४३ ॥
taṁ dṛṣṭvopavanābhyāśa āyāntaṁ tarasā rathāt avaruhya nṛpas tūrṇam āsādya prema-vihvalaḥ
Upon seeing Dhruva Mahārāja approaching the neighboring small forest, King Uttānapāda with great haste got down from his chariot. He had been very anxious for a long time to see his son Dhruva, and therefore with great love and affection he went forward to embrace his long-lost boy. Breathing very heavily, the King embraced him with both arms. But Dhruva Mahārāja was not the same as before; he was completely sanctified by spiritual advancement due to having been touched by the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse shows Dhruva returning after attaining the Lord’s grace, and how genuine devotion purifies relationships—his father rushes to meet him, overcome with love.
Dhruva had become spiritually exalted and dear to the Lord; seeing his son return, the king’s parental affection and repentance flowered into intense, purified love.
Spiritual growth can heal strained relationships—meet others with humility and affection, and let devotion refine emotions into compassionate action.