Shloka 1
Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
मैत्रेय उवाच प्रजापतेर्दुहितरं शिशुमारस्य वै ध्रुव: । उपयेमे भ्रमिं नाम तत्सुतौ कल्पवत्सरौ ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca prajāpater duhitaraṁ śiśumārasya vai dhruvaḥ upayeme bhramiṁ nāma tat-sutau kalpa-vatsarau
Maitreya said: O Vidura, thereafter Dhruva Mahārāja married Bhrami, the daughter of Prajāpati Śiśumāra, and from her were born two sons, Kalpa and Vatsara.
It appears that Dhruva Mahārāja married after being installed on the throne of his father and after the departure of his father to the forest for self-realization. It is very important to note in this connection that since Mahārāja Uttānapāda was greatly affectionate towards his son, and since it is the duty of a father to get his sons and daughters married as quickly as possible, why did he not get his son married before he left home? The answer is that Mahārāja Uttānapāda was a rājarṣi, saintly king. Although he was busy in his political affairs and duties of government management, he was very anxious for self-realization. Therefore as soon as his son Dhruva Mahārāja was quite worthy to take charge of the government, he took this opportunity to leave home, just like his son, who, without fear, left home for self-realization, even at the age of five years. These are rare instances from which we can see that the importance of spiritual realization is above all other important work. Mahārāja Uttānapāda knew very well that to get his son Dhruva Mahārāja married was not so important that it should take preference to his going away to the forest for self-realization.
FAQs
This verse states that Dhruva married Bhṛmi, the daughter of Prajāpati Śiśumāra.
The verse names Dhruva’s two sons as Kalpa and Vatsara.
Even after attaining deep devotion, Dhruva fulfills dharma through responsible family life, showing that bhakti can harmonize with worldly duties.