AdiKCh1P2 Srimad Bhagavatam 11:19-21 ...Worship of My devotees is superior to worship of Me.  Lord Krsna said to Uddhava, "O Uddhava, serving My devotees is many times better than worshiping Me. re:  Author paying proper respects to Lord's devotees
       
p. 642 Puranas ...devotion to the Supreme Lord is developed only thru serving the pure devotees of the Lord. re: Devananda Pandita's conversion
p. 642 Srimad Bhagavatam ...That service to a pure devotee is even higher  than service to the Supreme Lord, Himself.   There may exist some doubt about attaining perfection by serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever in achieving perfection by serving the pure devotee of the Supreme Lord. re:  Devananda Pandita's conversion; his service to Sri Vakresvara.