Shloka 14
Bharata Mahārāja’s Attachment to a Deer and His Fall from Yoga
क्रियायां निर्वर्त्यमानायामन्तरालेऽप्युत्थायोत्थाय यदैनमभिचक्षीत तर्हि वाव स वर्षपति: प्रकृतिस्थेन मनसा तस्मा आशिष आशास्ते स्वस्ति स्ताद्वत्स ते सर्वत इति ॥ १४ ॥
kriyāyāṁ nirvartyamānāyām antarāle ’py utthāyotthāya yadainam abhicakṣīta tarhi vāva sa varṣa-patiḥ prakṛti-sthena manasā tasmā āśiṣa āśāste svasti stād vatsa te sarvata iti.
Even while worshiping the Lord or performing a rite, Mahārāja Bharata would, though the act was unfinished, rise again and again at intervals to see where the fawn was. When he saw it resting comfortably, his mind returned to calm satisfaction, and he would bless it: “My dear little one, may auspiciousness be yours in every way.”
Because his attraction for the deer was so intense, Bharata Mahārāja could not concentrate upon worshiping the Lord or performing his ritualistic ceremonies. Even though he was engaged in worshiping the Deity, his mind was restless due to his inordinate affection. While trying to meditate, he would simply think of the deer, wondering where it had gone. In other words, if one’s mind is distracted from worship, a mere show of worship will not be of any benefit. The fact that Bharata Mahārāja had to get up at intervals to look for the deer was simply a sign that he had fallen down from the spiritual platform.
FAQs
This verse shows that even while performing prescribed activities, Bharata’s mind repeatedly turned to the deer, illustrating how attachment can quietly intrude and divert one from steady spiritual absorption.
Because his heart became absorbed in parental-like affection for the helpless fawn; seeing it again and again, he naturally offered blessings, revealing growing emotional dependence.
Maintain compassion, but guard attention during sādhana—set clear boundaries so responsibilities and affections do not repeatedly pull the mind away from one’s primary spiritual goal.