Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 21
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
भवन्ति पुरुषा लोके मद्भक्तास्त्वामनुव्रता: । भवान्मे खलु भक्तानां सर्वेषां प्रतिरूपधृक् ॥ २१ ॥
bhavanti puruṣā loke mad-bhaktās tvām anuvratāḥ bhavān me khalu bhaktānāṁ sarveṣāṁ pratirūpa-dhṛk
Those in this world who follow your example will naturally become My pure devotees. You are indeed the finest model of My devotee, and others should walk in your footsteps.
In this connection, Śrīla Madhvācārya quotes a verse from the Skanda Purāṇa:
FAQs
This verse says that the Lord recognizes devotees by their faithful following of saintly devotees, and He honors exalted devotees like Nārada as the very embodiment of all devotees.
In the context of Canto 7, the Lord is praising and honoring His devotee, affirming that Nārada’s character and conduct perfectly represent the nature of pure devotion.
Seek guidance from genuine devotees and follow their instructions sincerely; steady discipleship and saintly association are presented here as a practical hallmark of bhakti.