Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 48
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
लब्ध्वानुग्रह आचार्यात् तेन सन्दर्शितागम: । महापुरुषमभ्यर्चेन्मूर्त्याभिमतयात्मन: ॥ ४८ ॥
labdhvānugraha ācāryāt tena sandarśitāgamaḥ mahā-puruṣam abhyarcen mūrtyābhimatayātmanaḥ
بعد نيل رحمة المعلّم الروحي الذي يكشف لتلميذه أحكام الكتب المقدّسة، ينبغي للمتعبّد أن يعبد الشخصية الإلهية العليا في الصورة الشخصية التي يجدها أحبَّ إلى قلبه.
According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, the word labdhvānugrahaḥ indicates formal initiation by a bona fide spiritual master. It is stated in the Padma Purāṇa:
FAQs
This verse teaches that real understanding of āgama (revealed scripture) comes by the guru’s mercy; guided by the ācārya, one learns the authorized path and then worships the Lord properly.
Kṛṣṇa indicates that devotion becomes steady and affectionate when the devotee serves the Mahāpuruṣa in a form (mūrti) that naturally inspires love, while remaining grounded in the guru-shown scriptural conclusions.
Seek guidance from a bona fide teacher, study the scriptures under that guidance, and adopt a consistent form of worship—such as daily prayer and simple Deity/altar service—to the Lord in a form that deepens your personal devotion.