Kṛṣṇa says in the 11th Canto of the Bhāgavatam, "mat-bhaktyā pūjābhyadhikā- better than worshiping Me is worshiping My devotees." This theme is illustrated in the story of Śrutadeva and Bāhulāśva. Kṛṣṇa, along with great sages, goes on a chariot to visit these two devotees. Śrutadeva is poor, and Bāhulāśva is a wealthy king.

Kṛṣṇa then expands Himself so He can go to both of their houses at the same time. Not only does He expand Himself, but He also expands all the sages as well. So they all go in different directions, but it's the same entourage and the same Kṛṣṇa. At the house of Bāhulāśva, the king gives Him a royal reception, washes His lotus feet, and he hears from Kṛṣṇa. He worships Him and performs ārati. At Śrutadeva's house, the same thing happens, but he gives Him simpler accouterments, just a small place to sit and some water.

Śrutadeva, especially was glorifying Kṛṣṇa with elaborate and effusive prayers. Kṛṣṇa stopped him and said, "All these sages are here; it is better if you glorify them. You are over-glorifying Me in the presence of these sages."

So this theme continues throughout the Bhāgavatam. It is based on the verse: "ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣāṁ viṣṇor ārādhanaṁ param tasmāt parataraṁ devi tadīyānāṁ samarcanam," which means, "Of all types of worship, the worship of Lord Viṣṇu is the highest. But even higher than that, O Devī, is the worship of those things that are dear to Him."

As Kṛṣṇa Himself says in the Bhagavad-gītā, there is no one more dear to Him than His devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda put it simply: "Love Me, love My dog."

(excerpt from the answer)

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