Story of Jada Bharata

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of  Jada Bharata

What action did Bharata take to overcome his flaw? Why was he called Jada Bharata? What was the dialogue between Jada Bharata and King Rahugana?

Remembering deer during the time of death, Bharata had to be born as a deer. But due to his spiritual merits, he was able to recollect his past life. He realizes his mistake, and thereupon he never associated with fellow mates and was just waiting to get rid of deer body.

He was reborn in a brahmin's family as the 10th son (Bharata had 9 step-brothers).

 

Jada Bharata, in this birth, never spoke to anyone nor showed any interest in worldly activities. He was a cause of concern to his father. His step-brothers were well versed in vedas and were carrying on prescribed duties.

Jada bharata's father did his best to educate him till the end but not of much use. Jada bharata never bothered to maintain physical cleanliness, nor follow prescribed rituals. Indeed, his self-knowledge was ripe in him, but others were unaware of it.

Jada bharata cautiously avoided people as he was aware of the mistake of his previous birth.

After his father's demise, he was left aloft by his brothers as a last choice. Since he was hale and healthy, he was utilized by outsiders to do manual work for no compensation.

Jada bharata was least perturbed as he was waiting to complete his prarabda karma.  

Once Jada bharata was taken forcefully as offer to kali matha. When he was about to get killed, to the surprise of all, kali matha herself appeared and killed all those who were responsible for this act. Again, Jada bharata was unperturbed.

King Rahugana was traveling to Sage Kapila's ashram in palanquine. There was a shortage of one palanquine bearer, and Jada bharata was picked for the job.

Jada bharata couldn't synchronize with the other 3 bearers, and this caused turbulence. The king was annoyed and ridiculed Jada Bharata.

Jada bharata said i never carried your palanquine. My shoulders carried your palanquine, my legs carried my waist, and the waist carried my shoulders. All these body parts jointly carried your palanquine. I, the soul, is in no way connected to this act.

King Rahugana was shocked, and with little knowledge of self-realization, he could recognize that this person is no ordinary. He pleaded sorry for his act and requested Jada bharata to enlighten him.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana