Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 25
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
अर्चादावर्चयेत्तावदीश्वरं मां स्वकर्मकृत् । यावन्न वेद स्वहृदि सर्वभूतेष्ववस्थितम् ॥ २५ ॥
arcādāv arcayet tāvad īśvaraṁ māṁ sva-karma-kṛt yāvan na veda sva-hṛdi sarva-bhūteṣv avasthitam
履行自身规定之本分时，应当礼拜我这至上主的神像（arcā），直到觉悟我住在自己心中，也住在一切众生心中。
Worship of the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is prescribed herewith even for persons who are simply discharging their prescribed duties. There are prescribed duties for the different social classes of men — the brāhmaṇas, the vaiśyas, the kṣatriyas and the śūdras — and for the different āśramas — brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa. One should worship the Deity of the Lord until one appreciates the presence of the Lord in every living entity. In other words, one should not be satisfied simply by discharging his duties properly; he must realize his relationship and the relationship of all other living entities with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If he does not understand this, then even though he discharges his prescribed duties properly, it is to be understood that he is simply laboring without profit.
FAQs
This verse teaches that worshiping the Lord in the Deity form is essential, especially until one truly realizes the Lord’s presence within the heart and within all living beings.
Kapila was guiding Devahuti step-by-step in bhakti: arcana helps steady devotion and purify perception, leading to the higher realization of the Lord as the indwelling Supersoul in everyone.
Continue consistent devotional practice (such as temple/Deity worship, prayer, and service) alongside your responsibilities, and cultivate the habit of seeing the Lord’s presence in your own heart and in others through humility and compassion.