Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.839

c5.839

Once Uttama sat on the lap of his father when the latter was sitting on the throne. Seeing this, Dhruva wanted to sit along with his brother. But fearing the displeasure of Suruci, who was also there, the King did not take Dhruva on to his lap. Seeing the endeavour of Dhruva, Suruci said to him, “Child, if you wish to sit on the lap of your father, you ought to have been born in my womb. You cherish high ambition which you do not deserve.” These words of Suruci were not palatable to Dhruva who ran to his mother and sat on her lap. When Sunīti knew what had happened she shed tears. After a few moments Dhruva stood up and made a vow. “I will get a position unattainable even for my father, by my own endeavour.” He then started for the forest. He attained self-renunciation even in childhood becoming a disciple of hermits and performing severe penance.