Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 6
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
श्रीभगवानुवाच न ह्यन्तोऽनन्तपारस्य कर्मकाण्डस्य चोद्धव । सङ्क्षिप्तं वर्णयिष्यामि यथावदनुपूर्वश: ॥ ६ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca na hy anto ’nanta-pārasya karma-kāṇḍasya coddhava saṅkṣiptaṁ varṇayiṣyāmi yathāvad anupūrvaśaḥ
قالت الشخصية الإلهية العليا: يا أُدّهافا العزيز، لا نهاية للوصفات الفيدية التي لا تُحصى في شأن عبادة الأرچا؛ لذلك سأشرح لك هذا الأمر بإيجاز، على وجهه الصحيح، خطوةً خطوة.
Here the word karma-kāṇḍa refers to the various Vedic methods of worship, culminating in Deity worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just as the means of sense gratification and material renunciation are innumerable, the transcendental pastimes and qualities the Supreme Personality of Godhead enjoys in His own abode, called Vaikuṇṭha, are also innumerable. The various concepts of piety and methods of purification in the material world ultimately cannot be reconciled amongst themselves without accepting the Absolute Truth, the Personality of Godhead, since without appreciation of Him there is no definitive understanding of what is actually obligatory for a human being. Even though almost all human beings are engaged in various processes of worship, the Lord will now summarize this topic, describing how one should worship Him in His Deity form.
FAQs
In this verse, Krishna states that the karma-kanda procedures are vast and practically limitless, so He will present them in a concise, orderly way—implying they should be understood properly and applied without losing the devotional purpose.
Uddhava is receiving Krishna’s final, systematic instructions (Uddhava-gita context). Here Krishna introduces the topic of worship and ritual practice, explaining that although the Vedic rites are extensive, He will summarize them clearly for Uddhava.
Rather than becoming overwhelmed by countless rules, a seeker can follow an authentic, well-ordered, simplified practice of worship and duty—learning the essentials from scripture and teacher, and keeping the heart focused on devotion to the Lord.