Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 40
Gṛhastha-Dharma: How a Householder Attains Liberation by Offering All to Vāsudeva
ततोऽर्चायां हरिं केचित् संश्रद्धाय सपर्यया । उपासत उपास्तापि नार्थदा पुरुषद्विषाम् ॥ ४० ॥
tato ’rcāyāṁ hariṁ kecit saṁśraddhāya saparyayā upāsata upāstāpi nārthadā puruṣa-dviṣām
時に初心の信者は信心をもって供具一式を捧げ、神像としてのハリを礼拝する。しかし正統なヴィシュヌの信者に嫉妬し敵意を抱くなら、主はその奉愛の奉仕に決して満足されない。
Deity worship is especially meant for purifying the neophyte devotees. Actually, however, preaching is more important. In Bhagavad-gītā (18.69) it is said, na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ: if one wants to be recognized by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he must preach the glories of the Lord. One who worships the Deity must therefore be extremely respectful to preachers; otherwise simply worshiping the Deity will keep one in the lower stage of devotion.
FAQs
This verse teaches that worship of Hari in the Deity form, even when performed with external faith and service, does not yield the highest spiritual result if the worshiper is envious of the Supreme Lord or inimical in heart.
In the context of teaching ideal devotional household life, Śukadeva emphasizes that bhakti is not merely ritual; inner attitude matters. Envy and hostility block the real fruit of worship.
Combine regular worship with humility and goodwill—avoid criticizing devotees, cultivate respect, and purify motives—so that practice becomes genuine devotion rather than mere formality.