The acaryas explain in this regard that because of Saubhari Muni's material attachment and affection for a fish, he failed to see the situation from the spiritual viewpoint. The Ninth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam describes his falldown for this offense. Because of false pride, Saubhari Muni lost his power of austerity, and with it his spiritual beauty and happiness. When Garuda came to the Yamuna, Saubhari Muni thought, "Although he may be a personal associate of the Supreme Lord, I will still curse him and even kill him if he disobeys my order." Such an offensive attitude against an exalted Vaishnava will certainly destroy one's auspicious position in life.

As the Ninth Canto describes, Saubhari Muni married many beautiful women, and suffered greatly in their association. But because he had once become glorious by taking shelter of the Yamuna River in Sri Vrindavana, he was ultimately delivered.