Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 44
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
श्रीराजोवाच अथ भागवतं ब्रूत यद्धर्मो यादृशो नृणाम् । यथा चरति यद् ब्रूते यैर्लिङ्गैर्भगवत्प्रिय: ॥ ४४ ॥
śrī-rājovāca atha bhāgavataṁ brūta yad-dharmo yādṛśo nṛṇām yathācarati yad brūte yair liṅgair bhagavat-priyaḥ
Mahārāja Nimi said: Now please tell me in greater detail about the devotees of the Supreme Lord. What are the natural symptoms by which I can distinguish between the most advanced devotees, those on the middle level and those who are neophytes? What are the typical religious activities of a Vaiṣṇava, and how does he speak? Specifically, please describe those symptoms and characteristics by which Vaiṣṇavas become dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The great sage Kavi has informed King Nimi about the general external symptoms of a devotee of the Lord, namely his appearance, personal qualities and activities. But now King Nimi asks how to make further distinctions among the servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead so that the first-class, second-class and lower-class Vaiṣṇavas can be clearly identified.
FAQs
In this verse, King Nimi asks for the identifying signs (liṅgas) of one who is dear to Bhagavān—specifically the devotee’s dharma, conduct, and speech—indicating that devotion is recognizable through character and behavior.
Because he was seeking practical, observable guidance: not only the philosophy of bhakti, but how a bhāgavata lives—how he acts (carati) and what he speaks (brūte)—so that seekers can understand and follow authentic devotion.
Use this verse as a checklist: look for dharmic integrity, humble and compassionate conduct, and truthful, uplifting speech centered on Bhagavān—rather than external show—when choosing guidance and association.