Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 35
Gṛhastha-Dharma: How a Householder Attains Liberation by Offering All to Vāsudeva
देवर्ष्यर्हत्सु वै सत्सु तत्र ब्रह्मात्मजादिषु । राजन्यदग्रपूजायां मत: पात्रतयाच्युत: ॥ ३५ ॥
devarṣy-arhatsu vai satsu tatra brahmātmajādiṣu rājan yad agra-pūjāyāṁ mataḥ pātratayācyutaḥ
O King Yudhiṣṭhira, at your Rājasūya sacrifice the devas, the divine sages, many saints—including even Brahmā’s four sons—were present; yet when the question arose of who should be worshiped first, all concluded that Acyuta, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, is the most worthy recipient of the foremost honor.
This is a reference to the Rājasūya sacrifice performed by Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira. In that meeting there was a great turmoil over selecting the best person to be worshiped first. Everyone decided to worship Śrī Kṛṣṇa. The only protest came from Śiśupāla, and because of his vehement opposition he was killed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse states that even among the most venerable sages and exalted beings, Acyuta (the infallible Lord Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa) is the supreme and most fitting recipient of first worship.
In teaching ideal household and religious conduct, Prahlāda clarifies the hierarchy of honor: respect all saintly persons, but offer the highest worship to the Supreme Lord, who is the ultimate shelter of all.
Honor saints, teachers, and elders appropriately, while keeping devotion centered on God—making the Lord the primary focus of gratitude, prayer, and offerings.