Study a Verse

• Mahārāja Bharata thought that the animal was disappointed in his protection and had left him for the protection of a demigod.
• Regardless, he ardently desired to see the animal again within his āśrama eating the soft grass and not fearing tigers and other animals.
• Thus degrading himself, he would have to accept an animal body.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Compassion and attachment → Regret and vigilance. Affection becomes binding when it displaces devotion.

Chapters 7–9 of Canto 5: Bharata, the deer and the birth of Jaḍa Bharata. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 8: A Description of the Character of Bharata Mahārāja

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Although he was able to give up his opulent kingdom, he became attached to the deer. Thus he fell down from his mystic yoga practice.