Twelve authorized devotees

Expressions researched:
"twelve authorized devotees"

SB Canto 7

Of the twelve authorized devotees—Lord Brahmā, Nārada, Lord Śiva, Kapila, Manu and so on—Prahlāda Mahārāja is understood to be the best example.

SB 7.10.21, Translation and Purport:

Those who follow your example will naturally become My pure devotees. You are the best example of My devotee, and others should follow in your footsteps.

In this connection, Śrīla Madhvācārya quotes a verse from the Skanda Purāṇa:

ṛte tu tāttvikān devān

nāradādīṁs tathaiva ca

prahrādād uttamaḥ ko nu

viṣṇu-bhaktau jagat-traye

There are many, many devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and they have been enumerated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (6.3.20) as follows:

svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ

kumāraḥ kapilo manuḥ

prahlādo janako bhīṣmo

balir vaiyāsakir vayam

Of the twelve authorized devotees—Lord Brahmā, Nārada, Lord Śiva, Kapila, Manu and so on—Prahlāda Mahārāja is understood to be the best example.