Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
एवं कृष्णात्मनाथेषु मनुष्येषु च सौहृदम् । परिचर्यां चोभयत्र महत्सु नृषु साधुषु ॥ २९ ॥
evaṁ kṛṣṇātma-nātheṣu manuṣyeṣu ca sauhṛdam paricaryāṁ cobhayatra mahatsu nṛṣu sādhuṣu
欲求自身究竟利益者，应与那些以奎师那为生命之主的人培育友爱；并进一步对一切众生发展服务之心。尤其应扶助具人身者，而在人中尤当扶助奉行达摩之人；在诸宗教行者之中，更应特别侍奉至上人格神的清净奉献者。
According to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, the highest duty for devotees of the Supreme Lord is to establish friendship with those who have completely surrendered to Kṛṣṇa and who have thus achieved śaraṇāgati, shelter at the Lord’s lotus feet. One should render service to both the Lord and His devotees, since the Lord is more pleased by sincere service rendered to His pure devotees. One should not only officially offer respect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, His devotees and His worshipful paraphernalia, but should actually render service to the representatives of the Lord, who are known as mahā-bhāgavatas.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should render paricaryā—devoted service—especially to the mahātmās, the saintly devotees, considering such service a primary expression of bhakti.
In the Uddhava-gītā teachings, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on practical bhakti: cultivating affectionate friendship with Kṛṣṇa-centered devotees and serving great saints as a direct means of spiritual upliftment.
Seek Kṛṣṇa-focused association, build sincere friendships rooted in devotion, and offer practical service to genuine devotees—helping, listening, supporting their sādhana, and contributing to devotional communities.