Shloka 26
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
विदेहस्तानभिप्रेत्य नारायणपरायणान् । प्रीत: सम्पूजयां चक्रे आसनस्थान् यथार्हत: ॥ २६ ॥
videhas tān abhipretya nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇān prītaḥ sampūjayāṁ cakre āsana-sthān yathārhataḥ
विदेहः तान् अभिप्रेत्य नारायणपरायणान्, प्रीतः आगतं शुभं मत्वा आसनस्थान् यथार्हतः दत्त्वा सम्यक् सम्पूजयाम् चक्रे।
The word yathārhataḥ is significant here. According to Viśvanātha Cakravartī the word yathārhataḥ means yathocitam, or “according to the proper etiquette.” It is clearly mentioned here that the nava-yogendras are nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇa, exalted devotees of the Supreme Lord, Nārāyaṇa, or Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, the word yathārhataḥ indicates that the King worshiped the nine sages according to the standard Vaiṣṇava etiquette. The etiquette for worshiping exalted Vaiṣṇavas is expressed by Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura with the words sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstraiḥ: an exalted Vaiṣṇava, being totally surrendered to the will of the Supreme Lord, is taken to be a transparent medium for the Lord’s will. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta it is stated that even by a moment’s association with the pure devotees of the Lord one can achieve all perfection in life. Therefore, as indicated by the word prītaḥ, King Nimi was overjoyed by the auspicious arrival of the sages, and therefore he worshiped them just as one would worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse shows that King Nimi, recognizing the sages as Nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇa (exclusive devotees), became joyful and honored them properly by offering fitting seats—teaching reverence and service to devotees.
Because he understood their devotion to Lord Nārāyaṇa and their spiritual stature; thus, as righteous royal etiquette and dharma, he received them respectfully and worshiped them according to their worth.
Recognize and respect sincere practitioners of bhakti, welcome saintly persons with humility, and offer practical service (time, attention, a seat, assistance) in a way that matches their needs and dignity.