Most Worshipable Deity
In a culture filled with millions of gods, goddesses, and revered sages, the question naturally arises: who is supreme? Who is the ultimate object of devotion? Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the phrase "most worshipable" to cut through the confusion and point directly to the pinnacle of spiritual reality. Through the dialogues of great souls like Rāmānanda Rāya and the prayers of pure devotees, the identity of the "most worshipable Deity" is revealed not as a singular autocrat, but as the Divine Couple, Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
Ultimate Conclusion
The definition of the "most worshipable" is central to the philosophical conversations in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta. When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Rāmānanda Rāya, "Who is the most worshipable Deity?" Rāmānanda Rāya did not hesitate. He immediately replied that the transcendental couple, Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, is the ultimate object of worship. This establishes that while Nārāyaṇa or Viṣṇu are worshipable, the sweetness of the conjugal love found in Vṛndāvana places Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa at the summit of all adoration.
- "And who is the most worshipable Deity?" Caitanya Mahaprabhu next inquired. Ramananda Raya immediately replied that the transcendental couple, Sri Radha and Krsna, is the ultimate object of worship.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His propagation, His teaching, the substance of His teaching is that Krsna is the most worshipable object.
Source of All Beings
The logic behind this worship is clear: one should water the root, not the leaves. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that those who are conversant with the process of creation understand that Lord Viṣṇu (or Kṛṣṇa) is the origin of everything. Therefore, He is the "most worshipable object of all living entities." Even the powerful demigods, who are themselves worshiped by men, offer their obeisances to Him. For instance, Bali Mahārāja and the priests of King Nābhi address the Lord as "best of the Personality of Godhead, most worshipable for all the demigods."
- Those who know that Lord Visnu is the origin of everything, who are conversant with the process of creation and who understand that Visnu, or Krsna, is the most worshipable object of all living entities, engage themselves in Visnu worship.
- O best Personality of Godhead, most worshipable for all the demigods, if You think that my promise has become false, I shall certainly rectify matters to make it truthful. I cannot allow my promise to be false. Please, therefore, place Your third lotus footstep on my head.
- O most worshipable of all, You are the best of all benefactors, and Your appearance at saintly King Nabhi's sacrificial arena is meant for our benediction. Because You have been seen by us, You have bestowed upon us the most valuable benediction.
Worshiping Devotee
A unique feature of Vaiṣṇava philosophy is that the Lord Himself worships His devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the pastime where Lord Kṛṣṇa bows down to Nārada Muni and offers him a seat, establishing that the spiritual master is "most worshipable" even for God. This sets the standard of etiquette. Similarly, great associates like Garuḍa and Lord Brahmā are described as "most worshipable" within the universe due to their exalted service and power. However, their worshipability is always in relation to their connection with the Supreme Lord.
- Not only did Krsna bow down, but He also touched the feet of Narada and with folded hands requested him to sit on His chair. Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality, worshiped by all devotees. He is the most worshipable spiritual master of everyone.
- Lord Garuda, the carrier of Lord Visnu, is the most worshipable lord, for he is as powerful as the Supreme Lord Himself. He is the personified Vedas and is worshiped by selected verses.
- The supreme person within this universe, Lord Brahma, has gotten his exalted post by dint of severe austerities, mystic power and trance. Consequently, after creating the universe, he has become the most worshipable demigod within it.
Challenge of Atheist
The recognition of the most worshipable Deity is the dividing line between the devotee and the demon. Hiraṇyakaśipu, the archetypal atheist, challenged his son Prahlāda, mocking his devotion: "Now let me see your most worshipable God come to protect you." This confrontation reveals that while the devotee sees the Lord everywhere as the object of love, the demon sees Him nowhere until He appears as death. For the devotee, however, even the Lord's punishment is regarded as "most exalted" because it comes from the most worshipable hand.
- I (Hiranyakasipu) shall now sever your (Prahlada) head from your body because you are speaking so much nonsense. Now let me see your most worshipable God come to protect you. I want to see it.
- Although a father, mother, brother or friend may sometimes punish one as a well-wisher, they never punish their subordinate like this. But because You are the most worshipable Lord, I regard the punishment You have given me as most exalted.
Conclusion
Identifying the "most worshipable Deity" is the first step in spiritual life. Once one understands that Kṛṣṇa is the source of all and that He is best worshiped in His form as the lover of Rādhā, the path becomes clear. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by worshiping Kṛṣṇa, one automatically satisfies all other demigods and living entities, just as watering the root satisfies the entire tree. Thus, the most intelligent person concentrates their devotion on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Most Worshipable. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.