Dhruva, though still a child, possessed an extraordinary kṣatriya spirit that could not endure injustice. The harsh words spoken by his stepmother lingered in his heart, refusing to fade. Seeing the intensity of his resolve, the sages gathered around him, recognizing his disillusionment and strength. They addressed him with reverence: “O descendant of kṣatriyas, tell us what you have resolved to do, if it pleases you. O radiant one, whatever task you wish us to assist you with, speak it plainly; we see that you desire to share your thoughts.” Dhruva replied, his voice steady and clear: “O best of the twice-born, I do not seek wealth or a kingdom. My wish is for a single place—one that has never been enjoyed by another before. Let this be accomplished for me; tell me how I may attain the highest place among all places, O best of sages.” The sages responded, each offering wisdom. Marīci said, “O prince, the highest place is not attained by men who have not worshipped Govinda. Therefore, worship Acyuta.” Atri added, “That supreme person, Janārdana, when pleased, grants the imperishable place to others. This truth I have spoken.” Aṅgirā continued, “All this exists within the imperishable soul of Acyuta. Worship that Govinda if you desire the highest place.” Pulastya declared, “He who is the supreme Brahman, the supreme abode, called the supreme Brahman—by worshipping Hari, one attains even the most difficult liberation.” Pulaha reminded him, “Indra obtained the station of Indra by worshipping Viṣṇu, the Lord of sacrifice. O virtuous one, worship him.” Kratu said, “He is the person of sacrifice, the sacrifice itself, the supreme lord of yoga. When Janārdana is pleased, what is there that cannot be obtained?” Vasiṣṭha assured him, “Whatever place within the three worlds you desire, you will attain by worshipping Viṣṇu—what more, O best of sons?” Dhruva, filled with devotion, asked, “You have described to me the god to be worshipped. Tell me what should be recited by me to fully please him. And how should I properly worship that great soul? Let the great sages tell me, so that he may show his gracious, smiling face.” The sages replied, “O prince, you deserve to hear from us how worship of Viṣṇu should be performed by those devoted to him. First, a man should withdraw his mind from all external objects and make it steady in the very abode of the universe. With one-pointed mind, absorbed in him, with self-control, let him recite what we declare, O joy of princes: ‘Om, homage to Vāsudeva, whose nature is pure knowledge, who is the form of Hiraṇyagarbha, the Person, Pradhāna, and the unmanifest.’ This very mantra was recited by the blessed Manu Svāyambhuva, your ancestor; Janārdana was pleased with him. He granted him the desired accomplishment, difficult to attain even in the three worlds. In the same way, you too should please Govinda by always reciting this.” Śrī Parāśara continued the tale to Maitreya: Hearing all this in full, the king’s son emerged from the forest and bowed respectfully to the sages. Feeling he had fulfilled his duty, Dhruva, now twice-born, journeyed to the sacred place called Madhu, on the banks of the Yamunā. This place, once ruled by the demon Madhu, became known as Madhuvana. After Madhu’s son Lavaṇa was slain by Śatrughna, the city of Mathurā was established there. In this holy place, which removes all sins and where Hari, the Lord of gods, is present, Dhruva performed austerities. Following the instructions of the sages led by Marīci, he regarded Viṣṇu as present within himself. With undistracted mind, he meditated deeply on blessed Hari, and the Lord became present in all beings and every form. When Viṣṇu was thus established in Dhruva’s mind, the earth herself could no longer bear her burden. As Dhruva stood on his left foot, the earth bent down with half her weight; when he stood on his right, the other half bent. Pressing the earth with his big toe, the whole earth, along with her mountains, trembled. Rivers, streams, and oceans were greatly agitated; even the gods were deeply troubled by this disturbance. At that time, the gods called Yāmās and Indra held counsel, seeking to break his meditation, being greatly distressed. The Kūṣmāṇḍas, taking on various forms, urgently tried to disrupt his meditation, along with mighty Indra. Dhruva’s mother, Sunīti, appeared before him, her words filled with compassion and illusion: “My son, turn back from this harsh destruction of your body; you were obtained by me with much effort and many wishes. You should not abandon me, helpless and alone; because of the words of a co-wife, O child, would you leave me, your only refuge? How can you, only five years old, undertake such severe austerity? Let your mind turn away from these harsh and fruitless efforts. There is a time for playthings, and after that, for your studies; only after enjoying all pleasures should you undertake austerity. O child, the time of your life is meant for playthings, for you are still a boy. Why do you delight in the destruction of your own self through austerities? My affection is the highest virtue; follow the proper order of duties according to your age. Do not, out of delusion, turn away from this and act unrighteously.” Thus, the young Dhruva’s devotion and resolve shook the worlds, drawing the attention of gods and his loving mother alike, as he pursued the highest place through unwavering worship of Viṣṇu.