58 Teachings of Lord Chaitanya

upon receiving some treasure becomes at once happy, so, when one attains
to devotional service, automatically the pains of material existence are van-
quished. As one advances in devotional service, one attains love of Godhead,
and as he advances in the love for the Supreme he becomes free from all
material bondage. The disappearance of poverty and liberation from bondage
are not, however, the end results of love of Krishna. Actually, the love of
Krishna, love of God, exists in relishing the reciprocation of loving service.
In all Vedic literature one will find that attainment of this loving relationship
between the Supreme Lord and the living entities is the function of devotional
service. Our actual function is devotional service, and our ultimate goal of
achievement is love of Godhead. Therefore, in all Vedic literature Krishna
is the ultimate center. By knowledge of Krishna all problems of life are solved.

The Lord said that, according to Padma Purana, there are different Puranas
for worshipping different types of demigods; but such indications for worship
only bewilder persons into thinking that the demigods are supreme. And yet,
if the Puranas are scrutinized and studied it will be found that Krishna, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the only Object of worship. For example,
in the Markandio Purana there is mention of Devi worship, worship of the
goddess Durga or Kali. But in that same Chandika it is also stated that all these
demigods—even in the shape of Durga or Kali—are different energies of
Vishnu. Therefore, even the study of the Puranas will reveal Vishnu, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, to be the only Object of worship.

The conclusion is that, directly or indirectly, all types of worship are
more or less indicating a worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita it is confirmed that anyone who worships the
demigods is in fact only worshipping Krishna, because the demigods are
different parts of the Body of Vishnu, or Krishna. That such worship of demi-
gods is really irregular is also clearly stated in the Bhagavad Gita.

Srimad Bhagwatam confirms this by the question: What is the object of
worshipping the different types of demigods? In Vedic literature there are
various divisions of ritualistic activities. One is called Karmakanda, or purely
ritualistic activities; another is called Upasana-kanda, or speculating on the
Supreme Absolute Truth. What then is the purpose of the ritualistic sections
of Vedic literature, and what is the purpose of different mantras or hymns
indicating the worship of different types of demigods? And what is the purpose
of philosophical speculation on the subject of the Absolute Truth? The Srimad
Bhagwatam replies that all these different methods defined in Vedic literature
indicate the worship of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. They are all indirect ways
