Song 30

(Sindhuḍā rāga)

Refrain: I take shelter of the reddish feet of the cowherd boy Kṛṣṇa, who is kind to the poor and fallen.

120. Your name is Patita-pāvana (the purifier of the fallen). O savior of the fallen, glory, glory, glory to You!

121. "Everyone please hear more of this wonderful story. Nārada Munī spoke to Lord Kṛṣṇa.

122. "Sitting with Goddess Lakṣmī on a jewel throne, the Lord listened to Nārada’s vīṇā music.

123. "Gently smiling, Lord Kṛṣṇa said to Nārada: ‘Why does your heart not pay attention to your vīṇā music?’

124-125. "Nārada Munī replied: ‘Please hear, O lotuseyed Lord. My heart does not pay attention to my vīṇā music because I am rapt in thinking of one of Your devotees. My mind thinks of how You are always the master of the poor and helpless.’

126. "Hearing Nārada’s words, lotus-eyed Lord Kṛṣṇa said: ‘Who is this devotee, on whom you meditate? Please tell Me.’

127. "Nārada said: ‘He is Uttānapāda’s very noblehearted son. His saintly-hearted mother is not favored by her husband.

128. "‘Dhruva’s stepmother bears the name Suruci. One day she enjoyed many pastimes with her husband on his throne.

129. "‘Her seven sons headed by Uttama also laughed and enjoyed pastimes on that jewel throne.

130. "‘Seeing his brothers hugged by their father, Dhruva climbed up on that jewel throne.

131. "‘Climbing on the throne, Dhruva sat in his father’s lap. Then Dhruva’s stepmother threw Dhruva to the ground.

132. "‘Falling to the ground, Dhruva wept. Controlled by his wife, King Uttānapāda said nothing.

133. "‘Distraught by his stepmother’s words, Dhruva went to Madhuvana and performed austerities on the Yamunā’s banks.’

134. "Hearing Nārada’s words, lotus-eyed Lord Kṛṣṇa gently smiled and sweetly said:

135. "‘I do not give mercy to persons who are not initiated. Neither do I take affense with the misdeeds of a person who is not initiated.

136. "‘Renouncing his father and mother, this boy performs austerities in Madhuvana. With a vow he meditates on Me.

137. "‘From a Vaiṣṇavī’s womb a non-Vaiṣṇava is never born. Vaiṣṇavas and Vaiṣṇavīs are ready to tolerate all difficulties.

138. "‘I must make a Vaiṣṇava’s vow successful. I will visit Dhruva. I will grant him a boon.

139. "‘The devotees bind Me with ropes of love and devotion. Bound by the devotees devotion, I have no power to escape. I have no power to escape from a devotee who meditates on Me.’

140. "Nārada Munī said: ‘It is not that Dhruva is uninitiated. Please vitī him and be merciful to him. At this moment it is as if he is burning in a forest fire.’

141. "Hearing these words from Nārada’s mouth, lotus-eyed Lord Kṛṣṇa climbed on Garuḍa and flew to Madhuvana.

142. "Gently smiling, Lord Kṛṣṇa said to Dhruva: ‘For your sake I have come from Vaikuṇṭha. I have come to grant you a boon.’

143. "Hearing Lord Kṛṣṇa’s words, Dhruva was filled with bliss. His meditation broken, with folded hands he stood before the Lord.

144. "Dhruva said: ‘O great Lord, what boon shall I ask? Please be kind to me that I will be able to chant Your glories.’

145. "Lord Kṛṣṇa said: ‘I must grant whatever you wish. Please ask for an exalted post. I will give whatever post you wish.

146. "‘Why did you come to Madhuvana? Please tell Me. Your stepmother did not allow you to sit on a throne.

147. "‘If I do not give you an exalted post, then how can I bear the name Vāñcākalpataru (He who is like a tree that fulfills all desires)?

148. "‘Exalted posts are like blades of straw. Your devotees do not desire them. They are like ashes.’

149. "Lord Kṛṣṇa said: ‘I will give you the throne of every king. I will give you the highest post in the three worlds.

150. "‘You are Uttānapāda’s son. You will become king. All your subjects will chant My glories.

151. "Everyone will talk of Dhruva’s realm, which will be above the worlds of all the sages.’

152. "Giving this boon, Lord Kṛṣṇa suddenly disappeared. Viśvakarmā built Dhruva’s world of Dhruvaloka.

153. "Attaining this boon, Dhruva left Madhuvana." Locana dāsa happily sings the glories of Lord Gaura.