Shloka 28
Bharata Mahārāja’s Attachment to a Deer and His Fall from Yoga
तत्रापि ह वा आत्मनो मृगत्वकारणं भगवदाराधनसमीहानुभावेनानुस्मृत्य भृशमनुतप्यमान आह ॥ २८ ॥
tatrāpi ha vā ātmano mṛgatva-kāraṇaṁ bhagavad-ārādhana-samīhānubhāvenānusmṛtya bhṛśam anutapyamāna āha.
Though dwelling in a deer’s body, Bharata Mahārāja, by the power of his firm worship of Bhagavān in his former life, understood the cause of that birth. Remembering his past and present, he repented constantly and spoke as follows.
This is a special concession for a devotee. Even if he attains a body that is nonhuman, by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead he advances further in devotional service, whether by remembering his past life or by natural causes. It is not easy for a common man to remember the activities of his past life, but Bharata Mahārāja could remember his past activities due to his great sacrifices and engagement in devotional service.
FAQs
This verse shows that the impressions (saṁskāras) of worshiping Bhagavān can remain even after taking another body, enabling remembrance of one’s past mistake and spiritual goal.
He remembered that his attachment led to his deer birth, and because he still retained devotional impressions, he deeply regretted losing his human opportunity for focused bhagavad-ārādhana.
Maintain steady devotion and avoid overpowering attachments; consistent sādhana creates lasting spiritual impressions that protect one’s consciousness even in difficult turns of life.