Most Exalted Devotees of God
The world often judges greatness by material power, wealth, or learning. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda redefines true greatness through the lens of devotional service. He identifies the "most exalted devotees" not by their external opulence but by their internal mood of surrender, humility, and compassion. From the mighty Lord Śiva to the humble Kholāveca Śrīdhara, this category explores the diverse personalities who have attained the highest status in the eyes of God.
Lord Śiva: Topmost Vaiṣṇava
Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently honors Lord Śiva as the premier example of a devotee. Citing the scriptural verdict vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ, he explains that Lord Śiva is the most exalted of all Vaiṣṇavas. Far from being a competitor to Lord Kṛṣṇa, Śiva is His greatest worshiper. A true devotee of Kṛṣṇa does not disrespect Lord Śiva but worships him as the most exalted devotee, understanding that his power and position are employed in the service of Lord Viṣṇu.
- A devotee of Lord Krsna does not disrespect Lord Siva, but worships Lord Siva as the most exalted devotee of Lord Krsna.
- Vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh: the most exalted Vaisnava is Lord Siva, and those who are actually devotees of Lord Siva follow Lord Siva's advice and take shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Visnu.
- Lord Siva is known as Mahadeva, the most exalted demigod. Thus Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says that although Lord Brahma did not know the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Siva could have known them.
Ornament of Humility
Paradoxically, the sign of an exalted devotee is that they do not consider themselves exalted. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that although a Vaiṣṇava is the most exalted personality, they are prideless and offer all respect to others. They see everyone else as a servant of Kṛṣṇa and themselves as the lowest. This humble attitude is not a sign of weakness but their greatest credit, distinguishing them from materialists who are always anxious for prestige.
- Although a Vaisnava is the most exalted person, he is prideless and gives all respect to everyone, knowing everyone to be the resting place of Krsna.
- Devotees are the most exalted personalities as the servants of Krsna, still they think themselves lower than everyone, and that humble attitude is their credit.
- Devotees are the most exalted personalities as the servants of Krsna, still they think themselves lower than everyone.
Examples of Great Souls
History provides us with shining examples of such exalted souls. Śrīla Prabhupāda points to Prahlāda Mahārāja, who, despite being born in a family of demons, became the most exalted devotee due to his unalloyed faith. He mentions Vāsudeva Datta, whose compassion was so vast he wished to take on the sins of all living entities. He also cites King Ambarīṣa, who used his power to create a spiritual atmosphere for his citizens, and Kholāveca Śrīdhara, whose poverty was no impediment to his exalted devotion.
- Although Hiranyakasipu performed such a severe austerity, he remained a Daitya and a Raksasa, whereas Prahlada Maharaja, although born of the same Daitya father, became the most exalted devotee and was personally protected by the Supreme Lord.
- He (Vasudeva Datta) was far, far above philanthropists, philosophers and fruitive actors. He was the most exalted personality to ever show mercy to the conditioned souls. This is not an exaggeration of his transcendental qualities. It is perfectly true.
- He (Kholaveca Sridhara) was a great devotee of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is a typical example of how a poor man with no material possessions can become a most exalted devotee of the Lord.
Transformation Through Hearing
How does one become exalted? Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the process is open to everyone. By submissively hearing about Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, even the lusty desires in the heart—the "heart disease" of the conditioned soul—are vanquished. This process can transform a person filled with material desires into a most exalted devotee. Even a neophyte who has taken shelter of a mahātmā is to be considered exalted, regardless of temporary frailties.
- If a bona fide listener hears of Krsna's pastimes with the gopis, which seem to be lusty affairs, the lusty desires in his heart, which constitute the heart disease of the conditioned soul, will be vanquished, and he will become a most exalted devotee.
- Such devotee, no matter he has not advanced yet to the highest level of spiritual understanding, still he is to be considered the most exalted personality never mind he has got any temporary frailties.
- Whatever one may be, one must take shelter at the lotus feet of a devotee mahatma and treat him as the most exalted well-wisher of all human society. We should take shelter of such a mahatma and ask for his causeless mercy.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that among all types of men—karmīs, jñānīs, and yogis—the devotee is supreme. Out of millions of scholars, one who knows Kṛṣṇa is rare and most exalted. To associate with such a person and serve them is the perfection of life. As seen in the life of Nārada Muni, serving the servants of the Lord is the surest path to attaining this exalted status oneself.
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