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----- bhagap083.html
TABLE M.
There is not much to detain us in' this Table. It will be
enough if readers will please note the meanings of the names used.
TABLE N.
We must divide this Table into the following heads: I. The
story of Dhruva, II. The story of Pirthu, III. The story of Pra-
china Barhis, IV. The allegory of Puranjana, and V. The story of
the Prachetasas.
I. THE STORY OF DHRUVA,
SKANDHA IV. CHAP. 8-12.
Uttanapada is one of the sons of the First Manu. Uttana-
pada means " with uplifted foot ". This perhaps refers to the period
when the Jiva, having still the spiritual element strong in him, was
not fixed in the course of material descent, but had one foot towards
Mahar-Loka. Uttanapada had two wives Suruchi (with good graces)
and Suniti (of good morals). Uttama or the Highest was the son
of Suruchi. Dhruva or the fixed was the son of Suniti. Once
upon a time, Dhruva found Uttama on his father's lap and he
wished to be there himself. For fear of Suruchi, Uttanapada did
not dare stretch forth his hands towards Dhruva, while Suruchi herself
taunted the boy for his impudent aspiration. Stung to the quick by
the bitter words of his stepmother Dhruva forthwith left the place
and went straight to his mother and related to her his grievances.
Suniti advised her son who was only five years old to make Tapas.
Dhruva did not lose time but left home to make Tapas as directed
by his mother. Narada met him on the way. " Thou art a child
Dhruva" said the great Rishi. " How is it possible for thee to find
out Him by Tapas, Who is attainable by intense Yoga concentra-
tion and freedom from passion practised for several births. Desist
my boy, for the present. Try, when thou hast enjoyed all the things
of the world and hast grown old". But Dhruva was fixed in resolve
and he importuned Narada to teach him how to meditate. Narada
initiated Dliruva into the mysteries of the Mantra " Om Namo
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