The Vedic name of the Pole Star is Dhruva Nakshatra, named after Dhruva, the son of King Uttanapad. At a very young age, Dhruva demonstrated such steadfast commitment to Lord Vishnu that he was blessed by Vishnu to take the position of the steadfast Pole star. The story of Dhruva’s life is often told to children as an example for perseverance, devotion, steadfastness and fearlessness.
Dhruva Nakshatra (Polaris) is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. Its approximately aligned with the Earth’s axis of rotation, making it the current Northern Pole Star, also known as the North Star.
The pole is a natural focus to which all celestial motion points. It might have attracted the attention of the earliest star-gazers, who would soon learn the importance of knowing the only immovable point in their sky.
“Never the Muse is absent
from their ways: lyres clash and flutes cry
and everywhere maiden choruses whirling.
Neither disease nor bitter old age is mixed
in their sacred blood; far from labor and battle they live.”
Pindar (c. 522–443 BC)
“Tenth Pythian Ode”
(translated by Richmond Lattimore)
Reaching such exotic lands is never easy; Pindar cautioned:
“Neither by ship nor on foot
would you find the marvelous road
to the assembly of the Hyperboreans.”
and everywhere maiden choruses whirling.
Neither disease nor bitter old age is mixed
in their sacred blood; far from labor and battle they live.”
Pindar (c. 522–443 BC)
“Tenth Pythian Ode”
(translated by Richmond Lattimore)
Reaching such exotic lands is never easy; Pindar cautioned:
“Neither by ship nor on foot
would you find the marvelous road
to the assembly of the Hyperboreans.”
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