Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 34
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali: Dharma (Bull) and Bhūmi (Cow) at the Dawn of Kali-yuga
यस्मिन् हरिर्भगवानिज्यमान इज्यात्ममूर्तिर्यजतां शं तनोति । कामानमोघान् स्थिरजङ्गमाना- मन्तर्बहिर्वायुरिवैष आत्मा ॥ ३४ ॥
yasmin harir bhagavān ijyamāna ijyātma-mūrtir yajatāṁ śaṁ tanoti kāmān amoghān sthira-jaṅgamānām antar bahir vāyur ivaiṣa ātmā
In all sacrificial ceremonies, although sometimes a demigod is worshiped, the Supreme Lord Personality of Godhead is worshiped because He is the Supersoul of everyone, and exists both inside and outside like the air. Thus it is He only who awards all welfare to the worshiper.
It is even sometimes seen that demigods like Indra and Candra are worshiped and offered sacrificial awards, yet the rewards of all such sacrifices are awarded to the worshiper by the Supreme Lord, and it is the Lord only who can offer all welfare to the worshiper. The demigods, although worshiped, cannot do anything without the sanction of the Lord because the Lord is the Supersoul of everyone, both moving and nonmoving.
FAQs
This verse says that when Hari—who is the very essence of sacrifice—is worshiped, He bestows auspiciousness upon the worshipers and makes their efforts fruitful.
Hari, the Supreme Lord, is described as the all-pervading Self, present within and outside all beings, just as air pervades everything.
Center spiritual practice on sincere devotion to the Lord (rather than mere ritual), remembering His presence everywhere; this brings inner peace and makes one’s efforts spiritually meaningful.