Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 15
Gṛhastha-Dharma: How a Householder Attains Liberation by Offering All to Vāsudeva
देवानृषीन् नृभूतानि पितृनात्मानमन्वहम् । स्ववृत्त्यागतवित्तेन यजेत पुरुषं पृथक् ॥ १५ ॥
devān ṛṣīn nṛ-bhūtāni pitṝn ātmānam anvaham sva-vṛttyāgata-vittena yajeta puruṣaṁ pṛthak
Every day, with wealth obtained through one’s rightful livelihood, one should worship separately the devas, the ṛṣis, human beings, living creatures, the forefathers, and also one’s own self. In this way one worships the Supreme Puruṣa who dwells within the heart of everyone.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a gṛhastha should daily honor demigods, sages, humans, other beings, forefathers, and also care for the self—using honestly earned wealth—thereby worshiping the Supreme Person through properly directed service.
He presents these as harmonized duties performed as offerings that culminate in worship of the Supreme Person; when done with the right consciousness and rightful earnings, they support—not replace—devotion to Bhagavān.
Earn ethically, set aside a portion for service and charity, respect teachers and saints, care for family and society, practice compassion to animals and all beings, remember ancestors with gratitude, and maintain health and discipline—seeing these as devotional offerings to God.