Narada Visits Vaikuntha by Srila Lochan Das Thakur

When Dhruva was maintaining his meditation, Narada Muni went to Vaikuntha. With sweet music from his vīṇā, Narada Muni began to entertain Lord Vishnu, who was sitting on His throne with Laksmi devi. Smiling gently, the Lord leaned over and said, “Narada, why am I not enjoying your vīṇā today?’’

Narada replied, ” Listen, my dear lotus-eyed Lord. Today your mind finds no pleasure in my music, because You, who are the Protector of the distressed, are thinking of one of Your devotees.”

Lord Vishnu said, “Who is that devotee who is remembering Me?

Narada Muni replied, “Dhruva, the son of King Uttanapada. He is a saintly boy, but he suffers misfortune since his mother, Suniti, is not loved by her husband, the King. Recently, Dhruva’s step-mother, Suruci, was sitting on the throne with King Uttanapada playing with their seven year old son. Seeing the fun, Dhruva tried to climb up the King’s throne, but Suruci pushed him down. Poor Dhruva fell to the floor, crying. Being controlled by his wife, the King remained silent. Suruci’s actions and words strongly affected Dhruva and his heart burned. Although a tender- aged boy, he left home and went to the forest of Madhuvana to perform intense tapasya [penance].”

The lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu, smiling slightly, spoke sweetly. “Narada, I don’t show My mercy to one who is not connected to Me by initiation. I also don’t take offense from one who is not initiated.”

Narada said, “My Lord, Dhruva is initiated by me. So please show him Your mercy. Go to see him and relieve him from the fire of material existence.”

The Lord replied, “I will surely give My mercy to anyone who gives up his parents, goes to Madhuvana, and meditates upon Me while performing severe austerities!

O Narada, a non-devotee can’t take birth in the womb of a devotee. On My behalf, a Vaisnava can tolerate any difficulty. I will always give My mercy to a devotee. I am bound by the ropes of the prema-bhakti of My devotees. I can never neglect any devotee who thinks of Me. Therefore, I will give Dhruva whatever he wants.”

— From Sri Chaitanya Mangala of Sri Lochan Das Thakur, Translated by Srila Mahanidhi Swami ·