Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 40
Gṛhastha-Dharma: How a Householder Attains Liberation by Offering All to Vāsudeva
ततोऽर्चायां हरिं केचित् संश्रद्धाय सपर्यया । उपासत उपास्तापि नार्थदा पुरुषद्विषाम् ॥ ४० ॥
tato ’rcāyāṁ hariṁ kecit saṁśraddhāya saparyayā upāsata upāstāpi nārthadā puruṣa-dviṣām
有时初学的奉献者怀着信心，以诸供具礼拜哈利的神像；然而若他嫉妒并敌视毗湿奴的正统奉献者，主便永不因他的奉爱服务而满足。
Deity worship is especially meant for purifying the neophyte devotees. Actually, however, preaching is more important. In Bhagavad-gītā (18.69) it is said, na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ: if one wants to be recognized by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he must preach the glories of the Lord. One who worships the Deity must therefore be extremely respectful to preachers; otherwise simply worshiping the Deity will keep one in the lower stage of devotion.
FAQs
This verse teaches that worship of Hari in the Deity form, even when performed with external faith and service, does not yield the highest spiritual result if the worshiper is envious of the Supreme Lord or inimical in heart.
In the context of teaching ideal devotional household life, Śukadeva emphasizes that bhakti is not merely ritual; inner attitude matters. Envy and hostility block the real fruit of worship.
Combine regular worship with humility and goodwill—avoid criticizing devotees, cultivate respect, and purify motives—so that practice becomes genuine devotion rather than mere formality.