Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 11
Bharata Mahārāja’s Attachment to a Deer and His Fall from Yoga
इति कृतानुषङ्ग आसनशयनाटनस्नानाशनादिषु सह मृगजहुना स्नेहानुबद्धहृदय आसीत् ॥ ११ ॥
iti kṛtānuṣaṅga āsana-śayanāṭana-snānāśanādiṣu saha mṛga-jahunā snehānubaddha-hṛdaya āsīt.
Due to attachment for the deer, Mahārāja Bharata lay down with it, walked about with it, bathed with it and even ate with it. Thus his heart became bound to the deer in affection.
FAQs
This verse shows that even a saintly person can become spiritually distracted when the heart becomes bound by affection—so one must keep devotion central and avoid entangling attachment.
To illustrate how subtle attachment gradually occupies one’s entire routine, replacing spiritual focus with constant concern for the object of affection.
Care for family, pets, and responsibilities with duty, but maintain steady sādhana—daily hearing, chanting, and remembrance—so affection does not become bondage.