Story of Bharata

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Bharata 

Who is Bharata? How deep was his devotion? How did destiny change his life?

Bharata is the eldest son of Lord Rsabhadeva. He possessed extensive knowledge and was extremely fond of his subjects. 

Bharata performed at the appointed hours yagnas and kratu (sacrifice with sacrificial post) big and small in every detail. Importantly, Bharata offered the entire merit of these deeds to Lord Vasudeva.  

He would contemplate (on deities enjoying a share in the sacrificial offering) as limbs of the Supreme Person (Viratswarup).

He proportionately divided among his sons the hereditary fortune and retired as a recluse and lived near the sacred Gandaki river. Bharata got rid of all cravings and developed tranquility of mind.

Once, Bharata stayed back for sometime at Gandaki river. Just then, a fully pregnant deer came to the river to satisfy its thirst and a lion came chasing the deer.  

When the deer noticed it, it leaped to the other side of the river. Unfortunately, the foetus dropped out and was left uncared for. The deer met its end in a ravine.

Bharata took the fawn to his ashram and took care of it. He felt it was the duty of a kshatriya and as a king to take care of the needy. 

Gradually, he developed infatuation towards it and neglected his daily routines and meditation. He was constantly worried about its protection and wellbeing until he left his body. 

Consequently, he had to take birth as a deer in his subsequent birth. Suka muni said to King Parikshit, "Fawn in the form of destiny destroyed Bharata’s journey of self-realization in this birth."

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana