Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 12
Varṣa-devatā Worship in Jambūdvīpa: Hayagrīva/Hayaśīrṣa, Nṛsiṁha, Kāmadeva (Pradyumna), Matsya, Kūrma, and Varāha
यस्यास्ति भक्तिर्भगवत्यकिञ्चना सर्वैर्गुणैस्तत्र समासते सुरा: । हरावभक्तस्य कुतो महद्गुणा मनोरथेनासति धावतो बहि: ॥ १२ ॥
yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ harāv abhaktasya kuto mahad-guṇā manorathenāsati dhāvato bahiḥ
In one who has unalloyed, desireless devotion to Bhagavān Vāsudeva, all the exalted qualities of the devas—dharma, knowledge, and renunciation—naturally reside. But one who is without devotion to Hari and absorbed in material pursuits—where could great virtues be found in him? Driven by the mind’s fantasies, he runs outward after the unreal and serves the Lord’s external energy; how can such a person possess true good qualities?
As explained in the next verse, Kṛṣṇa is the original source of all living entities. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (15.7) , wherein Kṛṣṇa says:
FAQs
This verse says that when one has unalloyed devotion to Bhagavān, all virtuous qualities—like those attributed to the devas—naturally manifest in that person.
Because without devotion to Hari, the mind is pulled by selfish desire and runs outward to temporary objects; such restlessness cannot sustain truly elevated, divine character.
Prioritize steady devotional practice (hearing, chanting, remembering the Lord) and reduce compulsive chasing of external validation and pleasures; inner virtues become stable as devotion becomes central.