Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 48
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
लब्ध्वानुग्रह आचार्यात् तेन सन्दर्शितागम: । महापुरुषमभ्यर्चेन्मूर्त्याभिमतयात्मन: ॥ ४८ ॥
labdhvānugraha ācāryāt tena sandarśitāgamaḥ mahā-puruṣam abhyarcen mūrtyābhimatayātmanaḥ
ആചാര്യന്റെ കൃപ ലഭിച്ച്, അദ്ദേഹം കാണിച്ച ശാസ്ത്രവിധി അറിഞ്ഞ്, ഭക്തൻ തനിക്കിഷ്ടമായ മൂർത്തിരൂപത്തിൽ പരമപുരുഷനായ ഭഗവാനെ ആരാധിക്കണം।
According to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, the word labdhvānugrahaḥ indicates formal initiation by a bona fide spiritual master. It is stated in the Padma Purāṇa:
FAQs
This verse teaches that real understanding of āgama (revealed scripture) comes by the guru’s mercy; guided by the ācārya, one learns the authorized path and then worships the Lord properly.
Kṛṣṇa indicates that devotion becomes steady and affectionate when the devotee serves the Mahāpuruṣa in a form (mūrti) that naturally inspires love, while remaining grounded in the guru-shown scriptural conclusions.
Seek guidance from a bona fide teacher, study the scriptures under that guidance, and adopt a consistent form of worship—such as daily prayer and simple Deity/altar service—to the Lord in a form that deepens your personal devotion.