Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 47
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
अर्चायामेव हरये पूजां य: श्रद्धयेहते । न तद्भक्तेषु चान्येषु स भक्त: प्राकृत: स्मृत: ॥ ४७ ॥
arcāyām eva haraye pūjāṁ yaḥ śraddhayehate na tad-bhakteṣu cānyeṣu sa bhaktaḥ prākṛtaḥ smṛtaḥ
ശ്രദ്ധയോടെ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ അർച്ചാമൂർത്തിയായ ഹരിയെ മാത്രം പൂജിക്കുമ്പോഴും, ഭഗവാന്റെ ഭക്തന്മാരോടും മറ്റു ജനങ്ങളോടും യഥോചിതമായി പെരുമാറാത്തവൻ പ്രാകൃത (താഴ്ന്ന) ഭക്തനെന്നു കരുതപ്പെടുന്നു।
Śrīla Madhvācārya comments that one in the lowest stage of devotional service faithfully worships the Deity in the temple but is not aware that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is actually all-pervading. This same mentality can be seen in the Western countries, where people commit all types of sinful activities in their homes and in the street but then piously go to a church and pray to God for mercy. Actually, God is in our home, God is in the street, God is in our office, God is in the forest, God is everywhere, and therefore God should be worshiped everywhere by the process of devotional service at His lotus feet. As stated in verse 41 of this chapter:
FAQs
This verse explains that a neophyte may worship the Deity with faith but fails to properly honor the Lord’s devotees and other living beings, revealing incomplete spiritual vision.
Because in Bhagavata theology, the Lord is especially present in His devotees; neglecting them while worshiping the Deity shows a limited, external understanding of devotion.
Along with regular Deity worship and mantra practice, consciously respect and serve devotees, avoid offenses, and cultivate compassion and spiritual regard for all beings.