Shloka 10
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
तथा चिकीर्षमाणं तं सपत्न्यास्तनयं ध्रुवम् । सुरुचि: शृण्वतो राज्ञ: सेर्ष्यमाहातिगर्विता ॥ १० ॥
tathā cikīrṣamāṇaṁ taṁ sapatnyās tanayaṁ dhruvam suruciḥ śṛṇvato rājñaḥ serṣyam āhātigarvitā
While the child, Dhruva Mahārāja, was trying to get on the lap of his father, Suruci, his stepmother, became very envious of the child, and with great pride she began to speak so as to be heard by the King himself.
The King, of course, was equally affectionate toward both his sons, Uttama and Dhruva, so he had a natural inclination to take Dhruva, as well as Uttama, on his lap. But because of his favoritism towards his queen Suruci, he could not welcome Dhruva Mahārāja, despite his feelings. King Uttānapāda’s feeling was understood by Suruci, and therefore with great pride she began to speak about the King’s affection for her. This is the nature of woman. If a woman understands that her husband regards her as a favorite and is especially affectionate to her, she takes undue advantage. These symptoms are visible even in such an elevated society as the family of Svāyambhuva Manu. Therefore it is concluded that the feminine nature of woman is present everywhere.
FAQs
This verse shows Suruci speaking out of envy and pride, illustrating how these qualities lead to harsh speech and suffering, even in a royal household.
Suruci was overly proud of her position and envious of Dhruva, and the narrative emphasizes that she spoke even as King Uttānapāda heard—showing the intensity of her arrogance and the King’s inability to restrain it.
It warns that envy and ego quickly become harmful speech; cultivating humility and self-control protects relationships and supports genuine spiritual progress.