Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 4
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
नि:सृतं ते मुखाम्भोजाद् यदाह भगवानज: । पुत्रेभ्यो भृगुमुख्येभ्यो देव्यै च भगवान् भव: ॥ ३ ॥ एतद् वै सर्ववर्णानामाश्रमाणां च सम्मतम् । श्रेयसामुत्तमं मन्ये स्त्रीशूद्राणां च मानद ॥ ४ ॥
niḥsṛtaṁ te mukhāmbhojād yad āha bhagavān ajaḥ putrebhyo bhṛgu-mukhyebhyo devyai ca bhagavān bhavaḥ
يا ربًّا عظيم السخاء، إن تعاليم هذا المنهج في عبادة صورة الإله (الأرچا) قد انبثقت أولًا من فمك اللوتسي. ثم نقلها الإله أجا، براهما، إلى أبنائه يتقدمهم بهريغو، وعلّمها الربّ شيفا لزوجته الإلهة بارفتي. هذا الطريق مقبول وملائم لجميع الفَرْنات (الطبقات) ولجميع الآشرمات؛ لذلك أرى أن عبادتك في هيئة الأرچا-مورتي هي أنفع الممارسات الروحية كلها، حتى للنساء وللشودرا.
FAQs
In 11.27.4 Uddhava says the Lord’s teaching on worship is accepted by all varṇas and āśramas, and is especially beneficial for women and śūdras—showing bhakti practices are universally accessible.
He is establishing the authority and lineage of the teaching: it comes from Kṛṣṇa, was spoken by Brahmā to sages like Bhṛgu, and also taught by Śiva to the Goddess—confirming it as a widely honored, traditional path.
Adopt a steady, simple bhakti routine—such as offering food, chanting, and respectful worship—knowing the Bhagavatam presents devotional practice as a highest good for all people, regardless of background.