Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 19
Lord Viṣṇu Instructs Pṛthu: Forgiveness, Ātmā-Deha Viveka, and the Bhakti Ideal of Kingship
भगवानथ विश्वात्मा पृथुनोपहृतार्हण: । समुज्जिहानया भक्त्या गृहीतचरणाम्बुज: ॥ १९ ॥
bhagavān atha viśvātmā pṛthunopahṛtārhaṇaḥ samujjihānayā bhaktyā gṛhīta-caraṇāmbujaḥ
至上人格神——宇宙之灵（Viśvātmā）——悦纳了普利图所献的崇敬供奉，并对他施以慈悲。普利图王丰盛地礼拜主的莲花足；在礼拜之中，他的奉爱之情渐次增长，奉爱服务的喜悦与陶醉也愈加充盈。
When various ecstasies appear in the body of a devotee, it is to be understood that his devotional service has become perfect. There are many types of transcendental ecstasies in the forms of crying, laughing, perspiring, falling down, and crying like a madman. All these symptoms are sometimes visible on the body of a devotee. They are called aṣṭa-sāttvika-vikāra, which means “eight kinds of transcendental transformations.” They are never to be imitated, but when a devotee actually becomes perfect, these symptoms are visible on his body. The Lord is bhakta-vatsala, which means that He is inclined toward His pure devotee ( bhakta ). Therefore the transcendental ecstatic transaction between the Supreme Lord and His devotee is never like the activities of this material world.
FAQs
This verse shows that the Lord, as the universal Supersoul, personally accepts offerings when they are presented with exalted devotion (bhakti), and He reciprocates by granting shelter at His lotus feet.
Because Pṛthu’s devotion was intense and sincere, the Lord reciprocated—accepting his worship and allowing Pṛthu to firmly take refuge in His lotus feet, the ultimate goal of devotion.
Offer your daily actions—prayer, service, and responsibilities—with sincere devotion rather than mere ritual, trusting that genuine bhakti draws divine reciprocation and inner steadiness.