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
The King said: Now please speak about the bhāgavata devotee—what his dharma is among men, how he behaves and how he speaks, and by what signs he becomes dear to Bhagavān. Describe these characteristics in detail.
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.